Several recent studies have begun to describe synaptic adaptations in eCB signaling in the BLA and CeA in response to both acute and chronic stress. We found that CB1-mediated suppression of GABAergic transmission is reduced in the BA following 10 days of restraint stress, suggesting a small but significant desensitization of CB1 receptors by chronic stress (Patel et al., 2009). In contrast, DSI is prolonged in mice exposed to 10, but not 1 day, of restraint stress (Patel et al., 2009). These data indicate eCB signaling at GABAergic synapses in the BLA is enhanced by chronic stress exposure, while CB1 receptors exhibit a small measure of functional desensitization.
