Background. The endocannabinoid system (eCBs) is one of the modulatory systems widely expressed in the brain. It consists of receptors expressed in the cytoplasmic (CB1 and CB2), the mitochondrial membrane (CB1), and the endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, 2AG and oleamide. CB1 has been found in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the pre- and post-synaptic membranes. It is expressed in several brain areas such as the hippocampus, dorsal, and ventral striatum, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The eCBs has been involved in the regulation of learning and memory, mood, energy balance, sleep, and drug addiction. Objective. Integrate existing information about the eCBs and its role in brain function and mental health. Method. Review of the information of basic and clinical relevance obtained from indexed scientific journals (PubMed/Medline, Scopus). Results. Basic and clinical research on eCBs related to central nervous system function is described. Discussion and conclusion. At present, the study of eCBs is of importance. The development of drugs that affect this system may be clinically useful to control different debilitating diseases. This is an area of interest to the scientific community and health care providers.
RESUMENIntroducción: la mariguana es la droga de mayor consumo después del tabaco y el alcohol, a pesar de que está penado utilizar más de cierto gramaje que depende del país; por ejemplo, en México es más de 5 g, lo que indica una alta motivación por conseguir la droga. Uno de los principios activos de la mariguana es el Δ9-tetrahidrocannabinol. Esta molécula afecta al sistema endocannabinoide, provocando cambios en su función y, concomitantemente, en la morfología cerebral. Objetivo: revisar y discutir la evidencia científica del efecto del consumo de mariguana sobre el cerebro, la inteligencia y la toma de decisiones. Método: se consideraron los reportes científicos que abarcan de 2005 a marzo de 2016 encontrados en PubMed, enfocados en los efectos del consumo de mariguana sobre cambios morfológicos cerebrales, la inteligencia y la toma de decisiones. Resultados: dependiendo de la edad de inicio del consumo de mariguana, es posible detectar cambios en el cerebro y la inteligencia, mientras que otras variables como la frecuencia o la cantidad de uso repercuten en la eficiencia para la toma de decisiones. Discusión y conclusiones: estos resultados señalan que 1) el consumo de mariguana afecta la morfología cerebral, la toma de decisiones y la inteligencia; 2) sugieren la potencial participación del sistema endocannabinoide en la toma de decisiones e inteligencia; y 3) dadas las consecuencias, deben alertar al sector salud para promover su prevención y en su momento estar preparados para la rehabilitación.Palabras clave: mariguana, inteligencia, adolescencia, sistema endocannabinoide, toma de decisiones. ABSTRACTIntroduction: marijuana or cannabis is the most consumed drug after tobacco and alcohol, even in the condition that to carry more than a given amount is a crime, suggesting that cannabis consumers are highly motivated to get the drug. In Mexico the amount allowed is 5g. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the major psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. This molecule acts upon the endocannabinoid system, producing modifications in their function and, consequently, in the brain morphology. Objective: to review and discuss the scientific literature about cannabis consumption effect on brain, intelligence and decision-making. Method: the search of scientific reports in PubMed from January, 2005 to March, 2016, to evaluate the marijuana effect on brain morphology, intelligence and decision making. Results: it seems that as a function of the age of cannabis consumption onset the user might have morphological and functional brain changes, whereas variables such as frequency or amount of cannabis use may affect the efficiency of decision making. Discussion and conclusions: all these data together indicate that: 1) marijuana consumption affects brain morphology, decision-making and intelligence; 2) there is a potential role of the endocannabinoid system in decision-making and intelligence; and 3) given these consequences, should alert health organizations to develop strategies aiming prevention and if it is the...
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