Cannabinoids and Their Receptors
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences December 21, 2007 DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0000030 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | The text describes the endocannabinoid system: exogenous cannabinoids such as delta-9-THC are psychoactive and act via receptors, while the body makes structurally distinct endogenous cannabinoids. Together these endocannabinoids and receptors form a signalling system the authors say plays roles in memory, motor control, appetite, nausea, and pain. |
Abstract
Abstract: Exogenous cannabinoids are ∼60 molecules with a similar structural motif found in marijuana and hashish. Some of these are psychoactive – the chief being Δ 9 ‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 ‐THC) – and have been found to exert their psychoactive effects via receptors in the body. The human body makes endogenous cannabinoids that are structurally distinct from exogenous cannabinoids. This combination of endocannabinoids (eCBs) and receptors form an important endogenous signalling system with roles in numerous aspects of brain function including memory, motor control, appetite, nausea and pain.