ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION During the past years, cannabinoid (CB) receptors and cannabinoid agonists as well as antagonists were in the main focus of research. Cannabinoids seem to play a role in inflammation, nociception, tumor progression, UV-mediated inflammation and carcinogenesis, and finally also in skin differentiation including barrier recovery. Although they like to play this important role, the exact biochemical and biological role of endocannabinoids and their receptors in skin physiology remains unclear. Moreover, several studies report on clinical antipruritic effects of topically applied cannabinoids, but the underlying mechanisms have to be elucidated. This review focuses on the currently published knowledge of cannabinoid physiology with special attention to the role in the skin.
