Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids (pronunciation: /ˌɛndoʊ.kəˈnæbɪnɔɪdz/) are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.

Etymology

The term "endocannabinoid" is derived from "endo", a prefix from Greek meaning "within, inner, absorbing, or containing", and "cannabinoid", which is a type of compound of this group, named for the cannabis plant from which it was first isolated.

Function

Endocannabinoids are involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. They are also known to mediate the psychoactive effects of cannabis and are involved in physical activities such as exercise.

Related Terms

Cannabinoid receptors: These are a class of cell membrane receptors under the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Cannabinoid receptors are activated by three major groups of ligands: endocannabinoids, cannabinoids (such as THC), and synthetic cannabinoids.

Anandamide: This is a fatty acid neurotransmitter derived from the non-oxidative metabolism of eicosatetraenoic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "joy, bliss, delight", and amide. It is considered an endocannabinoid.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): This is an endocannabinoid, an endogenous agonist of the CB1 receptor. It is a product of the primary omega-6 fatty acid and is present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system.

Cannabinoid: Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body by animals.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Endocannabinoids
Wikipedia's article - Endocannabinoids

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Endocannabinoids