Endocannabinoid system and aggression across animal species

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 153; p. 105375
• Main Authors: Migliaro, Martin, Ruiz-Contreras, Alejandra E., Herrera-Solís, Andrea, Méndez-Díaz, Mónica, Prospéro-García, Oscar E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Aggression; Animal studies; CB1 receptor; Endocannabinoid system; Neurobiology; Phytocannabinoid; Social dominance; Social subordinance; Endocannabinoid system; Animal studies; Social dominance; CB1 receptor; Aggression; Neurobiology; Phytocannabinoid; Social subordinance
• ISSN: 0149-7634; 1873-7528
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105375

This narrative review article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and aggression across multiple vertebrate species. Experimental evidence indicates that acute administration of phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and the pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling decreases aggressive behavior in several animal models. However, research on the chronic effects of cannabinoids on animal aggression has yielded inconsistent findings, indicating a need for further investigation. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly cannabinoid receptor type 1, appear to be an important part of the endogenous mechanism involved in the dampening of aggressive behavior. Overall, this review underscores the importance of the ECS in regulating aggressive behavior and provides a foundation for future research in this area. •Endocannabinoid system plays a role in aggression as demonstrated by pharmacological and genetic manipulations.•Acute activation of cannabinoid receptors reduces aggression in multiple vertebrate species.•Chronic treatment with cannabinoids on animal aggression has yielded inconsistent findings.•Evidence suggests that CB1 receptors play a role in brain process responsible for dampening aggressive behavior.