Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Two cannabinoid receptors have been identified. What are they called, and where is each one generally located?

The two cannabinoid receptors are abbreviated CB1 and CB2. They are similar to each other in that they share roughly 50% of their DNA identity, but this greatly changes their tissue distribution and signaling mechanisms.
CB1 receptors are generally located on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Specifically, the CB1 receptors can be found in the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and the hippocampus. CB1 receptors are also present in other organs and tissues like the spleen, white blood cells, and intestinal tract.
CB2 receptors are found in white blood cells, in the tonsils, and in the spleen. CB1 receptors are there as well. However, the CB1 receptors are in much smaller quantities. An important function of the CB2 receptors is that they help regulate cytokine release.

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