Endocannabinoids are signaling molecules that the body produces itself, these molecules regulate the ECS.
Cannabinoids can also be found in nature, such as you THC & CBD in weed and other herbs. The structure of these molecules corresponds to our own endocannabinoids, which is why these cannabinoid receptors bind & influence.
To investigate
Researchers have identified 2 key endocannabinoids so far:
• Anandamide (AEA)
• 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
Through their action on cannabinoid receptors, these molecules influence various processes. Think of mood, sleep, appetite, memory and learning ability. However, each cannabinoid stimulates the ECS to varying degrees.
These molecules influence different processes through the action of the AEA & 2-AG.
Research has shown that AEA is an agonist with low activity at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This means that the molecule elicits a small part of a response at these receptor sites. However, other studies showed that 2-AG is a full agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors! This means that the endocannabinoid that binds is very effective at both locations & thus promotes activation.
Both cannabinoids act at locations outside the ECS, the AEA provides binding to TRPV1 receptors, which are often involved in pain & inflammation.
2-AG molecules play an important role in the brain, liver & lungs.
The main source where these molecules serve is to supply arachidonic acid. This is necessary for the synthesis of prostaglandin. These in turn have an important role in inflammation, circulation and blood clotting.
How do endocannabinoids form?
The formation of these endocannabinoids takes place on the basis of need in the membranes of postysynaptic neutrons. Here they differ from other neutrotransmitters in that they remain in synaptic vesicles until they are actually needed.
AEA & 2-AG are derived from fat-based molecules, AEA is derived from the N-arachidonoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanol; 2-AG is derived from 2-arachidonoyl containing phospholipids (PIP).
After binding to the appropriate receptor sites, they are both broken down at high speed by certain enzymes. The enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase breaks down the AEA.
Conclusion
Endocannabinoids have an important function within the ECS and the human body in general. Thanks to their ability to cross the synaptic cleft, they are able to influence the release of neurotransmitters and homemaintain ostasis. These molecules are deeply involved in many important physiological processes, from appetite and mood to sleep. Research is increasingly revealing their extensive role in human physiology.
Endocannabinoids have a very important role within the ECS and the human body in general. Endocannabinoids have a major function with the ability to cross the synaptic cleft, being able to influence the release of neurotransmitters and homeostate to keep!
These molecules are very involved in many important physiological processes, from appetite and mood to sleep. Research is showing more and more about its extensive role in human physiology