Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
14:25
Synthesis of a Deuterated Standard for the Quantification of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: September 21, 2019
Supply and demand for endocannabinoids
1Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. balgerlab@gmail.com
Trends in Neurosciences
|April 22, 2011
Summary
The endocannabinoid system (eCB system) regulates brain functions like eating and memory. This review explores recent findings on how endocannabinoids are stored, released, and function within neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system (eCB system) comprises cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and associated enzymes.
- The eCB system modulates crucial brain functions including synaptic communication, appetite, anxiety, and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the storage, release, and functional roles of endocannabinoids.
- To clarify the subcellular organization and regulation of the eCB system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent investigations.
- Analysis of studies focusing on endocannabinoid storage, release mechanisms, and subcellular regulation.
Main Results:
- Advances in understanding synaptic regulation by eCBs.
- Emerging insights into the subcellular localization and operational mechanisms of the eCB system.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the subcellular organization and regulatory processes of the eCB system.
- Understanding eCB storage and release is key to comprehending their diverse functional roles in the nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:30Spare Receptors
Some receptors remain unoccupied even when an agonist produces a maximal response. Such empty ones are called spare receptors. In presence of spare receptors the maximum effect of an agonist drug is achieved with fewer than 100% of the receptors being occupied. To determine the presence of spare receptors, scientists often compare the concentration of the drug needed to produce 50% of the maximum effect (EC50) with the concentration of the drug needed to occupy 50% of the receptors (Kd). If the...