The first aim of the present review is to provide an in-depth description of the cannabinoids and their known effects at various neuronal receptors. It reveals that cannabinoids are highly diverse, and recent work has highlighted that their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) are surprisingly more complex than previously recognized. Cannabinoid-sensitive receptors are widely distributed throughout the CNS where they act as primary modulators of neurotransmission. Secondly, we examine the role of cannabinoid receptors at key brain sites in the control of fear and anxiety. While our understanding of how cannabinoids specifically modulate these networks is mired by their complex interactions and diversity, a plausible framework(s) for their effects is proposed. Finally, we highlight some important knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanism(s) responsible for their effects on fear and anxiety in animal models and their use as therapeutic targets in humans. This is particularly important for our understanding of the phytocannabinoids used as novel clinical interventions.

本综述的第一个目的是深入描述大麻素及其对各种神经元受体的已知作用。它表明大麻素是高度多样化的，最近的工作强调了它们对中枢神经系统 (CNS) 的影响比以前认识的要复杂得多。大麻素敏感受体广泛分布在整个 CNS 中，它们充当神经传递的主要调节剂。其次，我们检查了大脑关键部位的大麻素受体在控制恐惧和焦虑中的作用。虽然我们对大麻素如何特异性调节这些网络的理解因其复杂的相互作用和多样性而深陷泥潭，但提出了一个关于其影响的合理框架。最后，我们强调了一些重要的知识空白，我们对它们对动物模型中恐惧和焦虑的影响以及它们作为人类治疗靶点的作用的机制的理解。这对于我们了解用作新型临床干预措施的植物大麻素尤为重要。