Cannabinoid receptor

The Cannabinoid receptor (pronunciation: /ˌkænəˈbɪnɔɪd rɪˈsɛptər/) is a type of protein that is found on the surface of cells and interacts with cannabinoids in the body and brain.

Etymology

The term "cannabinoid" comes from "cannabis," and "receptor" is derived from the Latin "recipere," which means "to receive." Thus, a cannabinoid receptor is a cell that is capable of receiving cannabinoids.

Types of Cannabinoid Receptors

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the peripheral organs and cells associated with the immune system.

CB1 Receptor

The CB1 receptor (pronunciation: /siː biː wʌn rɪˈsɛptər/) is the main target of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most well-known cannabinoid and the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

CB2 Receptor

The CB2 receptor (pronunciation: /siː biː tuː rɪˈsɛptər/) is primarily found in the immune system. It plays a role in reducing inflammation and pain.

Related Terms

Endocannabinoid system: The biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Cannabinoids: A class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Cannabinoid receptor
Wikipedia's article - Cannabinoid receptor

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Cannabinoid receptor