What is the endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system, ECS, is a complex biological system for communication between cells.
It is one of the most complex and important systems in our body, which helps regulate a large part of vital functions.
Furthermore, its task is also to maintain the homeostasis of the organism, that is its delicate internal balance, which is jeopardized by external environmental conditions.
It is a system present in various animal species, from mammals to reptiles, and even invertebrates.
The endocannabinoid system is composed of three elements: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that record variations in external conditions and activate receptors to transmit signals to cells, thus allowing them to trigger a response.
The first two known molecules of the system were Anandamide, AEA, and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, 2-Ag, which are already present in our body and are released on demand.
Once they have performed their function, endocannabinoids are destroyed.
The second element of the system is represented by CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found in the membrane of various types of cells.
It has been shown that CB1 receptors are present especially in the nerve cells of the brain, neurons, of the Central Nervous System, CNS, and are distributed in particular in the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, ganglia, and cerebellum, which are responsible for movement, complex cognitive functions, learning, memory, and emotions.
CB1 receptors are also present in cells of the lungs, muscles, reproductive organs, liver, and in the cardiovascular system.
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are expressed mainly at the peripheral level and are present in cells of the bones, spleen, colon, pancreas, and in the immune system.
Cannabinoid receptors have the task of regulating the release of other messages: CB1 receptors, in fact, interfere with neurotransmitters to protect the CNS from overstimulation, while CB2 receptors regulate the activity of the immune system.
Finally, the endocannabinoid system is composed of enzymes, which have the task of degrading molecules once they have performed their function.
In this way, an accumulation of endocannabinoids within the organism is avoided.
Endocannabinoid receptors have been identified throughout the entire body, both in humans and in other animals.
They have neuroprotective functions and regulate the release of neurotransmitters, preventing the overstimulation of the Nervous System: when a neuron is very active, it releases endocannabinoids, which repress the excitation and inhibition impulse on the neuron.
Another important role of the system concerns neurological development processes: endocannabinoids, in fact, influence synaptic plasticity, which allows the Nervous System to modify connections between neurons and create new ones.
Endogenous cannabinoids are also immunomodulators, they perform an anti-inflammatory action, and they act on hunger stimuli, mood, and sleep deprivation.
Researchers have identified the importance of CBD for the ECS in bone cells as well, observing that cannabinoid receptors are instrumental in regulating bone density and are therefore capable of treating osteoporosis.
CB1 receptors are also present in sympathetic nerve endings: for this reason, their activation alleviates sympathetic-mediated pain.
Based on the position of cannabinoid receptors, researchers have identified the main roles of the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with memory, cognition, movement, appetite, emotions, and pain.
Although its interaction with cannabinoids still needs to be further investigated, the presence of the endocannabinoid system in lower-level organisms and the localization of its receptors suggest its fundamental role.
In fact, thanks to its ability to regulate most physiological processes in an organism, the endocannabinoid system is considered one of the most important systems in our body, useful for maintaining homeostasis.
