Volume 90, Issue 4, October (2003), pp. 729-734 © The Author 2003
doi:10.1079/BJN2003942

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Horizons in Nutritional Science

The cannabinoid system: a role in both the homeostatic and hedonic control of eating?

Joanne A. Harrold¹, Gareth Williams^1
1Neuroendocrine and Obesity Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Liverpool, University Clinical Departments, Liverpool, L69 3GA, , UK

 (Received 16 May 2003–Revised 19 May 2003–Accepted 20 May 2003)

Knowledge of the cannabinoid system and its components has expanded greatly over the past decade. There is increasing evidence for its role in the regulation of food intake and appetite. Cannabinoid system activity in the hypothalamus is thought to contribute to the homeostatic regulation of energy balance, under the control of the hormone leptin. A second component of cannabinoid-mediated food intake appears to involve reward pathways and the hedonic aspect of eating. With the cannabinoid system contributing to both regulatory pathways, it presents an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of both obesity and eating disorders.

Keywords:
Anandamide, Endocannabinoids, 2-Arachidonoyl glycerol, SR 141716, Food intake, Obesity, Reward

Abbreviations:
AG, arachidonoyl glycerol, CB, cannabinoid receptor, FAAH, fatty acid amide hydoxylase, THC, tetrahydrocannabinol