Cannabinoidergic

Cannabinoidergic refers to the biological system that interacts with cannabinoids, a class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. The cannabinoidergic system includes the endocannabinoid system, which consists of endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are a class of cell membrane receptors under the G protein-couple receptors superfamily. They are activated by three major groups of ligands: endocannabinoids, produced by the mammalian body; plant cannabinoids (such as THC, produced by the cannabis plant); and synthetic cannabinoids (like HU-210). There are currently two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2.

CB1

CB1 is expressed mainly in the brain (central nervous system or "CNS"), but also in the lungs, liver and kidneys. CB1 receptors are thought to be one of the most widely expressed Gαi protein-coupled receptors in the brain.

CB2

CB2, on the other hand, is mainly expressed in the immune system and in hematopoietic cells. Recent findings suggest that CB2 may also be expressed in the CNS and could play a role in the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made by your body. They're similar to cannabinoids, but they're produced by your body. Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).

Pharmacology

Cannabinoids have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and in the past decade, attention has been drawn to their broad therapeutic potential particularly in seizure management, neuroprotection, pain relief and inflammation work, and cancer treatment. The pharmacology of cannabinoids appears to be complex, with a variety of mechanisms contributing to the many reported therapeutic features of cannabinoid compounds.

See Also

• Cannabinoid receptor
• Endocannabinoid system
• Phytocannabinoid
• Synthetic cannabinoids

References

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