Neuroimaging studies of cannabidiol and potential neurobiological mechanisms relevant for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review
Tristan Hurzeler 1 2, Joshua Watt 2, Warren Logge 1 2, Ellen Towers 1 2, Anastasia Suraev 3, Nicholas Lintzeris 1 4, Paul Haber 1 2, Kirsten C Morley 5 6
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- 2Translational Research in Alcohol, Edith Collins Centre, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.
- 3Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- 4Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.
- 5Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Kirsten.morley@sydney.edu.au.
- 6Translational Research in Alcohol, Edith Collins Centre, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. Kirsten.morley@sydney.edu.au.
Affiliationer
The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of cannabidiol’s (CBD) management of alcohol use disorder (AUD)
remains elusive.
Aim We conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging literature investigating the efects of CBD on the brain
in healthy participants. We then theorise the potential neurobiological mechanisms by which CBD may ameliorate
various symptoms of AUD.
Methods This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Terms relating to CBD and neuroimaging
were used to search original clinical research published in peer-reviewed journals.
Results Of 767 studies identifed by our search strategy, 16 studies satisfed our eligibility criteria. The results suggest
that CBD modulates γ-Aminobutyric acid and glutamate signaling in the basal ganglia and dorso-medial prefrontal
cortex. Furthermore, CBD regulates activity in regions associated with mesocorticolimbic reward pathways; salience,
limbic and fronto-striatal networks which are implicated in reward anticipation; emotion regulation; salience processing; and executive functioning.
Conclusion CBD appears to modulate neurotransmitter systems and functional connections in brain regions implicated in AUD, suggesting CBD may be used to manage AUD symptomatology.
Keywords Cannabidiol, Neuroimaging, PET, Alcohol use disorder, Pharmacotherapy
