ECS Flashcards
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid molecules, and their metabolic enzymes, is a crucial molecular system that the body uses to help maintain homeostasis
What are the ECS receptors? and where are they primarily located?
CB1, primarily within the nervous system and CB2, primarily within the peripheral tissue, immune system
What type of receptors are CB1 and CB2? and characteristics them?
G-protein coupled receptors
- membrane-bound
- conformation change with ligand binding
- activation results in intracellular signaling
Which body functions do CB1 receptors target? (up to 7).
Motor activity, thinking, motor coordination, appetite, short-term memory, pain perception, immune cells
How does the CB1 receptor work?
Retrograde feedback, inhibition of glutamate (DSE) and GABA (DSI).
What is neuronal plasticity?
refers to the ability of neurons to change in form and function in response to alterations in their environment
What does the ECS do?
inter and intra-cellular communication
regulation between cell systems
maintain whole-body homeostasis
What is Glutamate?
Excitatory neurotransmitter
What is GABA?
inhibitory neurotransmitter
Retrograde feedback of cannabinoids can result in which effects?
Depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE)
-inhibition of glutamate
Depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI)
-inhibition of GABA
The ECS has to Endocannabinoids (eCBs), what are the two known eCBs?
Anandamide (AEA)
2-Arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
eCBs are lipid-derived, enzyme activated and “on-demand” what are their inactive precursors?
N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) > Anandamide (AEA) Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGLa) > 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
Anandamide (AEA) is degraded by?
Fatty Acid Amide hydrolase (FAAH)
2-Arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) is degraded by?
Monoglyceral lipase (MGL)
CB2 receptor density can increase 100x, What triggers an increase in CB2 receptor density?
inflammation. Allows for targeting of injury, localized response to inflammation.
