Progress in understanding the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids was made after discovery of cannabinoid receptors and finding their endogenous ligands. New findings are obtained using both endogenous cannabinoids and plant or synthetic cannabinoids. Activation of cannabinoid receptors on synaptic terminals results in regulation of ion channels, neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Neuromodulation of synapses by cannabinoids is proving to have a wide range of functional effects, making them potential targets as medical preparations in a variety of illnesses, including some neurodegenerative and mental disorders. Brain monoamines are involved in many of the same processes affected by neuropsychiatric disorders and by different psychotropic drugs, including cannabinoids. Basic information is summarized in the paper about mechanisms of action of cannabinoids on monoaminergic systems, with a view to inhibition of monoamine oxidase.

Department of Psychiatry 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague and General University Hospital Prague Ke Karlovu 11 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

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