Аннотация:The endocannabinoid system ( eCB s), named after the plant Cannabis sativa, comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands known as “endocannabinoids”, and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of these ligands, as well as putative transporters for these ligands. ECB s proteins and small molecules have been detected in early embryonic stages of many vertebrate models. As a result, cannabinoid receptors and endogenous as well as exogenous cannabinoids influence development and behavior in many vertebrate species. Understanding the precise mechanisms of action for the eCB s will provide an invaluable guide towards elucidation of vertebrate development and will also help delineate how developmental exposure to marijuana might impact health and cognitive/executive functioning in adulthood. Here we review the developmental roles of the eCB s in vertebrates, focusing our attention on the zebrafish model. Since little is known regarding the eCB s in zebrafish, we provide new data on the expression profiles of eCB s genes during development and in adult tissue types of this model organism. We also highlight exciting areas for future investigations, including the synaptic regulation of eCB s, its role in reward and addiction, and in nervous system development and plasticity.
