In the Structure of Behaviour Merleau-Ponty introduces the concept of “virtual space” and those of “virtual movement” and “virtual body” in the Phenomenology of perception. The purpose of this article is to establish the links between these three notions that Merleau-Ponty borrows from the psychological literature of his time and to show why they constitute key elements of his philosophy of...
A2A adenosine and CB1 cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in the central nervous system, where they modulate numerous physiological processes including adaptive responses to drugs of abuse. Both purinergic and cannabinoid systems interact with dopamine neurotransmission (through A2A and CB1 receptors, respectively). Changes in dopamine neurotransmission play an important role in...
The function of the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1) was investigated by invalidating its gene. Mutant mice did not respond to cannabinoid drugs, demonstrating the exclusive role of the CB1 receptor in mediating analgesia, reinforcement, hypothermia, hypolocomotion, and hypotension. The acute effects of opiates were unaffected, but the reinforcing properties of morphine and the severity of...