Techniques for the Cellular and Subcellular Localization of Endocannabinoid Receptors and Enzymes in the Mammalian Brain

LuigiaCristino, RobertaImperatore, VincenzoDi Marzo

Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy.

Abstract

This chapter attempts to piece together knowledge about new advanced microscopy techniques to study the neuroanatomical distribution of endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes at the level of cellular and subcellular structures and organelles in the brain. Techniques ranging from light to electron microscopy up to the new advanced LBM, PALM, and STORM super-resolution microscopy will be discussed in the context of their contribution to define the spatial distribution and organization of receptors and enzymes of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and to better understand ECS brain functions.

Keywords: Endocannabinoid, Cannabinoid, Receptor, CB1DA, GLalpha, Electron microscopy, Fluorescence microscopy.