BIOM30001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Anandamide, Tetrahydrocannabinol, Microglia
Document Summary
Cannabinoid cb1 & cb2 receptors roles in neuropathic pain. Microglial activation in neuropathic pain: there is crosstalk between nervous and immune system. Cannabis used to treat epilepsy and pain in ms. 1964: 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) identified as active principle of cannabis - has psychoactive properties. 1988: specific cb receptors identified in brain & peripheral nerves. Cb1 r one of most widely expressed gpcr in brain; found in peripheral tissues including peripheral nerves & non-neuronal tissues, e. g. muscle, liver & fat. Few years later, cb2 r identified through homology cloning - expressed in non neural tissues, esp. immune cells such as microglia in cns. 1992: cb1 r discovery led search for endogenous mediators --> anandamide. A widespread neuromodulatory system widespread in the cns and periphery. These natural ligands are produced at site of need. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid- containing messengers generated by phospholipase action. Synthetized on demand at the site of need.
