Modulation of the endocannabinoid system by sex hormones: Implications for posttraumatic stress disorder

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Luke John NeyKim L Felmingham

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system is an increasingly recognised pharmacological target for treating stress and anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent preclinical developments have implicated the endocannabinoid system in stress responses, emotional memories and fear extinction, all critical to PTSD aetiology. However, preclinical research in endocannabinoid biology has neglected the influential role of sex hormone differences on PTSD symptomology, which is particularly important given that PTSD is twice as common in women as in men. In this review, we compile and consider the evidence that the endocannabinoid system is influenced by ovarian hormones, with application to stress disorders such as PTSD. It is clear that therapeutic modulation of the endocannabinoid system needs to be approached with awareness of ovarian hormonal influences, and knowledge of these influences may enhance treatment outcomes for female PTSD populations.

Citations

Dec 13, 2019·Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry·Madelyne A BisbyKathryn D Baker
Jan 6, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Wu Jeong HwangJun Soo Kwon
Mar 25, 2021·The European Journal of Neuroscience·William G WarrenChristine Stubbendorff
Apr 17, 2021·Neurochemistry International·Muhammad AsimXiaoguang Wang
May 7, 2021·Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·Luke J NeyDavid S Nichols
Aug 4, 2019·Psychiatry Research·Leo SherRachel Yehuda
Aug 3, 2021·Behaviour Research and Therapy·Luke John NeyKim Felmingham
Aug 31, 2021·Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology·Nicholas C GlodoskyRyan J McLaughlin

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anxiety Disorders

Discover the latest research on anxiety disorders including agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder here.