PHARMACOLOGY OF CANNABINOID CB1 AND CB2 RECEPTORS

There are at least two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, bo th coupled to G-proteins. CB1 receptors are present in the central ner vous system and CB1 and CB2 receptors in certain peripheral tissues. T he existence of endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonists has also been demonstrated These discoveries have led to the development of selecti ve cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands. This review focuses on th e classification, binding properties, effector systems and distributio n of cannabinoid receptors. It also describes the various cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists now available and considers the main in vivo and in vitro bioassay methods that are generally used. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science Inc.