Endocannabinoid signaling in astrocytes

The study of the astrocytic contribution to brain functions has been growing in popularity in the neuroscience field. In the last years, and especially since the demonstration of the involvement of astrocytes in synaptic functions, the astrocyte field has revealed multiple functions of these cells that seemed inconceivable not long ago. In parallel, cannabinoid investigation has also identified different ways by which cannabinoids are able to interact with these cells, modify their functions, alter their communication with neurons and impact behavior. In this review, we will describe the expression of different endocannabinoid system members in astrocytes. Moreover, we will relate the latest findings regarding cannabinoid modulation of some of the most relevant astroglial functions, namely calcium (Ca2+) dynamics, gliotransmission, metabolism, and inflammation.

Automated summary

The study of astrocytic contribution to brain functions has gained popularity in neuroscience. Recent discoveries have shown the involvement of astrocytes in synaptic functions and revealed their previously unimaginable multiple functions. Additionally, research on cannabinoids has identified different ways they interact with astrocytes, modify their functions, alter their communication with neurons, and impact behavior. This review discusses the expression of endocannabinoid system members in astrocytes and the latest findings on cannabinoid modulation of important astroglial functions, such as calcium dynamics, gliotransmission, metabolism, and inflammation.