scholarly journals Endocannabinoids in the gastrointestinal tract

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (4) ◽  
pp. G655-G666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunna Lee ◽  
Jeongbin Jo ◽  
Hae Young Chung ◽  
Charalabos Pothoulakis ◽  
Eunok Im

The endocannabinoid system mainly consists of endogenously produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). This system also includes enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids and molecules required for the uptake and transport of endocannabinoids. In addition, endocannabinoid-related lipid mediators and other putative endocannabinoid receptors, such as transient receptor potential channels and other GPCRs, have been identified. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is a key modulator of gastrointestinal physiology, influencing satiety, emesis, immune function, mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, and visceral sensation. In light of therapeutic benefits of herbal and synthetic cannabinoids, the vast potential of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been demonstrated. This review focuses on the role of the endocannabinoid system in gut homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders associated with intestinal motility, inflammation, and cancer. Finally, links between gut microorganisms and the endocannabinoid system are briefly discussed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
Petra Luschnig ◽  
Rudolf Schicho

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a multifunctional homeostatic system involved in many physiological and pathological conditions. The ligands of the ECS are the endo­cannabinoids, whose actions are mimicked by exogenous cannabinoids, such as phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Responses to the ligands of the ECS are mediated by numerous receptors like the classical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) as well as ECS-related receptors, e.g., G protein-coupled receptors 18 and 55 (GPR18 and GPR55), transient receptor potential ion channels, and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. The ECS regulates almost all levels of female reproduction, starting with oocyte production through to parturition. Dysregulation of the ECS is associated with the development of gynecological disorders from fertility disorders to cancer. Cannabinoids that act at the ECS as specific agonists or antagonists may potentially influence dysregulation and, therefore, represent new therapeutic options for the therapy of gynecological disorders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Angelika Andrzejewska ◽  
Klaudia Staszak ◽  
Marta Kaczmarek-Ryś ◽  
Ryszard Słomski ◽  
Szymon Hryhorowicz

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. The whole EC system plays an important role in the proper functioning of the central and autonomic nervous system. ECS is involved in the regulation of the body energy and in the functioning of the endocrine system. It can affect on the regulation of emotional states, motoric movement, operations of the endocrine, immune and digestive system. Many of the effects of cannabinoids are mediated by G coupled –protein receptors: CB1, CB2 and GPR55 but also of transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) which not only induce the sensation of pain but also support inflammation via secretion of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. In this review work we briefly summarize the role and action of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).


2017 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 250a
Author(s):  
Young-Soo Kim ◽  
Chan Sik Hong ◽  
Sang Weon Lee ◽  
Joo Hyun Nam ◽  
Byung Joo Kim

Physiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 292-306
Author(s):  
Heather A. Drummond

Loss of pressure-induced vasoconstriction increases susceptibility to renal and cerebral vascular injury. Favored paradigms underlying initiation of the response include transient receptor potential channels coupled to G protein-coupled receptors or integrins as transducers. Degenerin channels may also mediate the response. This review addresses the 1) evolutionary role of these molecules in mechanosensing, 2) limitations to identifying mechanosensitive molecules, and 3) paradigm shifting molecular model for a VSMC mechanosensor.


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