Chapter 14: Marijuana and Cannabinoids Flashcards
amotivational syndrome
Symptoms of cannabis use that relate to poor educational achievement and motivation.
anandamide
arachidonoyl ethanolamide; Common chemical name of the arachidonic acid derivative that functions as an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
An arachidonic acid derivative that functions as an endogenous ligand for brain cannabinoid receptors
cannabinoid receptor
Receptor for cannabinoids, including THC and anandamide. In the CNS, they are concentrated in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex.
cannabinoids
Collection of over 60 compounds found uniquely in cannabis plants.
CB1
Cannabinoid receptor of the metabotropic receptor family located in the CNS; play a role in the reward system
CB2
Cannabinoid receptor located primarily in the immune system, but also in bone, fat cells, and the GI tract. Are also expressed by microglia
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants; a cannabinoid.
endocannabinoids
Lipid-like substances that activate CB receptors. They are produced from arachidonic acid in the body.
fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)
Enzyme that metabolizes endocannabinoids
hash oil
Potent oil that is derived from hashish and contains a high concentration of cannabinoids
hashish
Type of cannabis derivative that is smoked or eaten.
hyperalgesia
Condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to pain.
monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)
Enzyme primarily responsible for metabolism of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol.
precipitated withdrawal
Method used to test dependence and withdrawal by administering an antagonist to block drug effects rapidly.
retrograde messenger
Chemical synthesized and released by a postsynaptic cell that diffuses into the nerve terminal of the presynaptic cell, often for the purpose of altering neurotransmitter release by the terminal.
rimonabant
SR 141716; Antagonist selective for the CB1 receptor. It is also called SR 141716.
sinsemilla
The potent marijuana produced by preventing pollination and seed production in the female cannabis plants.
how much THC is in a joint?
a joint is .5-1 gram of cannabis and 1 gram of cannabis contains 40mg or THC, but only 20-30% is absorbed into the lungs
smoking THC
readily absorbed through the lungs resulting in rising levels in the blood plasma
oral consumption of THC
leads to prolonged but poor absorption resulting in low and variable plasma concentrations—because of degradation in the stomach and first pass metabolism
what is THC converted into?
metabolites– 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-carboxy-THC which are excreted mostly in the feces
half life of THC
20-30 hours
what family of receptors do cannabinoid receptors belong to?
metabotropic receptors
how do metabotropic receptors (and thus cannabinoids) exert their effects?
coupling with G proteins Gi and Go which inhibits cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) formation, inhibits voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels, and activation of K+ channel opening
where do CB1 receptors exist?
axon terminals
what happens when CB1 receptors are activated?
by activating these presynaptic receptors, cannabinoids can inhibit the release of many different neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA
is THC a full CB1 and CB2 agonist?
nope–it is a partial agonist
what are the synthetic cannabinoid agonists?
CP-55,940 and WIN 55,212-2