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Cannabinoids Deficit Linked to Anorexia and Bulimia

Cristina Cusoveanu

HealBlog.net

Tuesday 01 Nov 2011

Recent findings published in the 'Biological Psychiatry' journal suggest that if cannabinoid receptors in our brain do not function properly, the result may be an eating disorder. These receptors act in a similar way as when our brain is stimulated by substances found in the cannabis plant. Derivative drugs such as marijuana and hashish stimulate appetite – therefore, a breach in the proper function of cannabinoid receptors is linked to a reduced appetite.

Researchers performed PET scans on women suffering from anorexia and bulimia and healthy women in order to compare the data and measured the CB1 receptor density. Global increases in ligand binding to CB1 receptors were reported in the brains of women suffering from anorexia nervosa and both anorexia and bulimia patients were found to have high levels of CB1R in the insula. Lead researcher, Dr. Koen Van Laere said the insula 'is a region that integrates body perception, gustatory information, reward and emotion, functions known to be disturbed in these patients.'

It is yet unclear whether these dysfunctions are caused by the disease or if their occurrence is linked to the development of eating disorders. "The role of endocannabinoids in appetite control is clearly important. These new data point to important connections between this system and eating disorders," said Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry.

Currently, there are not many treatments available that can effectively help combat eating disorders, but these findings could provide a fresh perspective for new drug development.

http://www.healblog.net/health-news/cannabinoids-deficit-linked-to-anorexia-and-bulimia/

 

 

 

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