Endocannabinoid System as a New Therapeutic Avenue for the Treatment of Huntington’s Disease

Abstract

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder manifested by chorea as well as a variety of psychiatric abnormalities. Up to this date, only symptomatic treatment exists. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further therapies. Several neuroanatomical circuits are involved in the pathophysiology of HD, mainly the dopaminergic system. Animal studies and limited studies in humans have shown that abnormalities in the endocannabinoid system could also play an important role in the pathophysiology of HD. These findings have important clinical implications since cannabis-based medicines could potentially be used in the treatment of HD. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current state of the research regarding the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in HD.