Human Endocannabinoid System

Professor DeBacco


Different Types of Cannabinoids
Different types of cannabinoids include Side Chain, Varinoid, Orcinoid, and Bibenzyl/Alkaloid.
These are produced not only by cannabis, but also by species of liverwort, rhododendron, cylindrocarpon fungi, and amorfrutin species.
Cannabinoids are defined generally as a specific species of terpenoid molecule that has the potential to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).



Do Not Forget About Terpenes
There are also some terpenes that interact with the endocannabinoid system…
One established example of this is the effect of beta-caryophyllene, which has been identified as a CB2 agonist, acting as an analgesic as well as a suppressor of neuroinflammation, making it a candidate for the treatment of MS (Ceccarelli 2020, Alberti 2017).

Cannabinoids are Inside You…
Your own body contains a system of endogenous receptors and ligands which work to regulate a vast number of cellular functions, in tissues throughout your body.
Cannabinoids actually play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in your body. At least two of these cannabinoids are produced by your own body. They are called:
Anadamide: Endogenous analog of THC
2-Arachinoglycerol: Endogenous analog of CBD



CB1 and CB2 Receptors Target
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), determine the behavioral effects of cannabis when consumed, as well as the effects of your body’s own cannabis chemicals, 2-AG and anandamide.



Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1)
CB1 receptors are expressed most densely in the central nervous system and are largely responsible for mediating the effects of cannabinoid binding in the brain.
Endocannabinoids released by a depolarized neuron bind to CB1 receptors on pre-synaptic glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, resulting in a respective decrease in either glutamate or GABA release.
The strong presynaptic localization of CB1 receptors and their inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels and adenylyl cyclase suggest that a primary function of CB1 receptors might be to inhibit neurotransmitter release



Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2)
CB2 receptors are primarily found on immune cells, particularly cells of macrophage lineage.
These receptors only indirectly affect neuronal function
modulating CB2 signaling could be promising for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.







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