Pedro Grandes and his team

A research study recently published in Nature Neuroscience with participation of the research group led by Dr. Pedro Grandes from the Neurosciences Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontology at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, has unveiled the mechanisms by which cannabis consumption leads to an increase in appetite.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psicoactive compound found in cannabis, stimulates appetite through the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. However, according to Dr. Giovanni Marsicano's research, from the NeuroCentre Magendie of the University of Bordeaux 2, depending on THC dosage opposite effects - increase or decrease in appetite - may appear.

By the combined use of genetic, pharmacological and anatomic tests in mice, researchers have proven that low THC dosage increases appetite, while at high doses it is decreased. This is due to the fact that THC acts on the CB1 cannabinoid receptors expressed in two type of neurones: glutamatergic neurones, which are cortical excitatory neurones located in the upper part of the brain, and GABAtergic neurones, which are ventral striate inhibitory neurones located in deep areas of the brain.

The knowledge of these mechanisms will open up new horizons in the design of new strategies for the treatment of eating disorders. "If we could deal separately with both neuronal populations, we might be able to address certain diseases like anorexia or obesity", states Dr. Grandes.