| Budget Amount *help |
¥105,560,000 (Direct Cost: ¥81,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥24,360,000)
Fiscal Year 2009: ¥19,760,000 (Direct Cost: ¥15,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,560,000)
Fiscal Year 2008: ¥19,760,000 (Direct Cost: ¥15,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,560,000)
Fiscal Year 2007: ¥19,760,000 (Direct Cost: ¥15,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,560,000)
Fiscal Year 2006: ¥19,760,000 (Direct Cost: ¥15,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,560,000)
Fiscal Year 2005: ¥26,520,000 (Direct Cost: ¥20,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥6,120,000)
|
|---|
| Research Abstract |
Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are released from neurons in the central nervous system in activity-dependent manners. The released endocannabinoids act retrogradely onto CB_1 cannabinoid receptors on presynaptic terminals, and suppress neurotransmitter release. This study aimed at elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of endocannabinoid release from central neurons and the roles of the endocannabinoid system in brain functions. We have found that the endocannbinoid release is triggered by strong depolarization of postsynaptic neurons and the resultant elevation of Ca^<2+> concentration (Ca^<2+>-driven endocannabinoid release [ER]), strong activation of G_<q/11>-coupled receptors at basal intracellular Ca^<2+> level (basal receptor-driven endocannabinoid release [RER]), or simultaneous Ca^<2+> elevation and G_<q/11>-coupled receptor activation (Ca^<2+>-assisted RER). We have also disclosed that endocannabinoid signaling is required for motor learning in the cerebellum. Through the four years' research, we have achieved most of the original purposes.
|
