Endocannabinoid System Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following receptors is primarily located in the central nervous system?

  • FAAH
  • CB1 (correct)
  • MGL
  • CB2

    • Endocannabinoids are synthesized and stored in vesicles until needed.

    False (B)

    What is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis?

    Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

    Cannabis sativa is known for having approximately _____ active compounds.

    <p>400</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following endocannabinoid compounds with their functions:

    <p>Anandamide = Breaks down by FAAH 2-AG = Breaks down by MGL FAAH = Inactivates anandamide MGL = Inactivates 2-AG</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was the first receptor for THC (CB1) identified?

    <p>1988 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cannabinoid antagonists can be used to suppress appetite.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which compound was identified as inactive in urine tests for THC?

    <p>carboxy-THC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary role of endocannabinoids in synaptic transmission is to inhibit the release of __________ from the presynaptic neuron.

    <p>neurotransmitter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is THC particularly effective for pain relief?

    <p>Pain associated with inflammatory conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Endocannabinoids

    Lipid molecules produced by the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors.

    CB1 receptor

    Cannabinoid receptor primarily located in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

    CB2 receptor

    Cannabinoid receptor primarily located in the periphery, including the immune system.

    Anandamide

    An endocannabinoid broken down by FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase).

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    2-AG

    An endocannabinoid broken down by MGL (monoacylglycerol lipase).

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    THC

    Psychoactive compound found in cannabis, impacting the brain.

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    CBD

    Non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

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    Analgesia

    Pain relief, often associated with the ECS and cannabis.

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    Synaptic Transmission

    Communication between neurons, often influenced by endocannabinoids.

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    Retrograde signaling

    Endocannabinoids act as messengers from the postsynaptic neuron to the presynaptic neuron.

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    Study Notes

    Endocannabinoid System

    • Endocannabinoids: Lipid-soluble signaling molecules, not stored in vesicles, synthesized on demand.

    • Functions:

      • Analgesia
      • Sensory processing
      • Motor coordination
      • Memory and cognition
      • Appetite regulation
      • Immune system modulation

    • Synthesis: Derived from arachidonic acid.

    • Receptors:

      • CB1: Primarily in the central nervous system (CNS), involved in motor coordination, memory, and sensory processing. Located in basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. Few in brainstem.
      • CB2: Primarily in the periphery, including the immune system.

    • Inactivation:

      • Anandamide: Broken down by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in postsynaptic neurons.
      • 2-AG: Broken down by monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) in presynaptic neurons.

    • Synaptic Transmission:

      • Postsynaptic neuron depolarization triggers endocannabinoid release.
      • Endocannabinoids diffuse to presynaptic neurons, binding receptors and inhibiting neurotransmitter release (retrograde signaling).

    Cannabis

    • Plant: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, cultivated for ~6000 years, originally from Asia, now worldwide.

    • Compounds:

      • Varying compounds; ~400 active compounds,
      • Psychoactive: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Identifed in 1964.
      • Non-psychoactive: Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN).

    • Timeline:

      • 1964: THC identified as active component of marijuana.
      • 1988: First THC receptor (CB1) identified.
      • 1991: Second THC receptor (CB2) identified,
      • 1992: Endogenous THC (anandamide & 2-AG) identified.

    • Pharmacokinetics of THC:

      • Half-life: ~30 hours.
      • Depot binding: "reverse tolerance".
      • Metablism: Metabolized in liver to active metabolite (11-hydroxy-delta-9 THC); then into inactive metabolite (carboxy-THC; detectable in urine).

    • Medical Uses of THC:

      • Analgesia: Sativex (THC + CBD); effective for inflammatory pain (CB2 action).
      • Appetite stimulation: Marinol. Useful in cancer/AIDS.
      • Cannabinoid antagonists can suppress appetite. One example is Rimonabant (2006).

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of the endocannabinoid system, which includes lipid-soluble signaling molecules synthesized on demand. This quiz covers the functions, synthesis, receptors, and mechanisms of action of endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG. Test your knowledge about their roles in pain regulation, memory, motor coordination, and more.

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