We investigated a potential interaction between genetically inherited variation in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, C385A), which metabolizes the cannabis-like endocannabinoid anandamide, and dopaminergic system, measured by dopamine receptor levels and mRNA.
<i>Background</i>: Polymorphisms in cannabinoid receptor type 1 (encoded by <i>CNR1</i>) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (encoded by <i>FAAH</i>) have been associated with cannabis dependence, but it remains unknown whether variation within these genes influences cannabis' acute effects on affect.
These findings are in accord with earlier reported associations between CNR1 and FAAH and CD intermediate phenotypes, and suggest that the underlying mechanism of these genetic effects may be enhanced neural response in reward areas of the brain in carriers of the CNR1 G allele and FAAH C/C genotype in response to marijuana cues.
These findings are in accord with earlier reported associations between CNR1 and FAAH and CD intermediate phenotypes, and suggest that the underlying mechanism of these genetic effects may be enhanced neural response in reward areas of the brain in carriers of the CNR1 G allele and FAAH C/C genotype in response to marijuana cues.
The SNP, FAAHC385A (rs324420), was examined to determine whether its variance was associated with changes in craving and withdrawal after marijuana abstinence, craving after cue exposure, or sensitivity to the acute effects of marijuana.
Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CNR1 (rs2023239) and FAAH (rs324420) genes, associated previously with substance abuse and functional changes in cannabinoid regulation, were examined in a sample of daily marijuana smokers.