Chemism and the role of endocannabinoids in physiological processes

Abstract

Despite being known for 5000 years, after the records of imperial Chinese doctors, cannabinoids as a subject of scientific research experienced its rise after 1964, when delta nine tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 THC) by Israeli scientists was identified. This was followed by the discovery of endogenous ligand / endocannabinoids, as well as receptors CB1 and CB2. In a broader sense, endocannabinoids act as neuromodulators and immunomodulators. They are included in the various physiological processes such as: the occurrence of pain, cognition, memory formation and neuroplasticity, physical activity, respiratory processes, appetite regulation, control and heart rate, nausea and emesis, intraocular pressure, inflammatory and immune processes (antigen recognition).

Keywords

• endocannabinoids
• anadamide
• cannabinoid receptors