Skip to main content
Canna~Fangled Abstracts

New insights into the involvement of serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in cannabidiol’s antidepressant effect

By May 16, 2024May 27th, 2024No Comments


Review

doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111029.

Online ahead of print.
Affiliations 

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychostimulant properties and is currently under investigation as a potential antidepressant drug. However, the mechanisms underlying CBD’s antidepressant effects are not yet well understood. CBD targets include a variety of receptors, enzymes, and transporters, with different binding-affinities. Neurochemical and pharmacological evidence indicates that both serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in the prefrontal cortex are necessary for the antidepressant effects induced by CBD in animal models. Herein, we reviewed the current literature to dissect if these are independent mechanisms or if CBD-induced modulation of the serotonergic neurotransmission could mediate its neuroplastic effects through subsequent regulation of BDNF-TrkB signalling, thus culminating in rapid neuroplastic changes. It is hypothesized that: a) CBD interaction with serotonin receptors on neurons of the dorsal raphe nuclei and the resulting disinhibition of serotonergic neurons would promote rapid serotonin release in the PFC and hence its neuroplastic and antidepressant effects; b) CBD facilitates BDNF-TRKB signalling, especially in the PFC, which rapidly triggers neurochemical and neuroplastic effects. These hypotheses are discussed with perspectives for new drug development and clinical applications.

Keywords: Antidepressant; BDNF; Cannabidiol; Neuroplasticity; Serotonin; TrkB.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Publication types

LinkOut – more resources


Leave a Reply