What are endocannabinoids?
cannabinoids are compounds of cannabis plant or marijuana plants that have euphoric or healing effects on humans. Similar types of chemicals are produced by many animal species, including humans, and have effects similar to the human body to cannabis. They are known as endocannabinoids. These molecules develop their effects by linking specific receptors that signal cells for physiological changes. Such receptors include cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 and are part of a complex system known as the endocannabinoid system.
endocannabinoids are thus named because they are cannabinoids found in the human body and are therefore called endogenous. Their effects on various physiological processes can be as strong as the main active ingredients in cannabis. They help regulate the feeling of pain, mood, appetite, memory and reproduction. Their effects have just begun to be understood.
These compounds are derived from the Lipids, such as arachidonic acid, essential meatAcid that is a precursor of many molecules connected to signaling reactions. Such types of chemicals do not dissolve in water and are limited to cell membranes. Thus, they cannot travel throughout the body in a way of traditional hormones. Endocannabinoids are released from cells and travel for a short distance to apply their effects.
These endocannabinoids react with nerve cells, but in a way different from traditional chemical signaling messengers in the nervous system. They temporarily reduce the amount of normal brain transmitters. This can change normal brain chemistry.
These natural cannabinoid compounds create different effects depending on the receptor and tissue in which they bind. For example, they can relieve chronic pain. There was a great interest in the development of synthetic cannabinoids for medicinal use and such compounds are used in several countries.
Endocannabinoid types are partly definitionWalls with the type of receptor they bind. Cantabinoid receptor Type 1 is found primarily in the brain and the type 2 receptor was traditionally considered to be located on parts of the body that have to do with the immune system. The latter receptor is found in particularly high concentrations in the spleen. Recently, it has been found to be located in parts of the brain that operate in the regulation of the immune system.
of endocannabinoids identified are the two highest anandamide studied and 2-aachidonyl glycerol (2-Ag). Anandamide has a chemical structure that differs from the structure of tetrohydkanibol (THC), the main active ingredients of cannabis. Its effects are very similar, but are much short -term. This compound primarily binds to the type of cannabinoid receptor and develops its effects in The Brain. The 2-AG endocannabinoid binds as well to both types of receptors.