#Cb2 book end how to

Like all other proteins our bodies make, the “blueprints” for how to build them reside in our DNA. In humans, the CB2 protein is encoded, or produced by the CNR2 gene. G-proteins, located on the inside of the cell, bind to the tail of a CB2 receptor, then release to deliver messages when the CB2 receptor is activated by a cannabinoid or other agonist (an “activating” molecule). Both endogenous and phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids from outside the body) find active CB2 receptors and “unlock” them. Similar to a deadbolt, CB2 receptors act like a lock waiting for its key. ĬB2 receptors span the cell membrane or “wall” with its active binding side facing outward. Scientists have not yet elucidated the exact 3D structure of the CB2 protein as they have for CB1, so our understanding of how molecules bind to the CB2 is somewhat limited in comparison to CB1. However, a 2015 study found that “CB2 receptors and their genes are located in neurons that contain dopamine in the ventral tegmental area, a brain area that is involved in reward and drug addiction.” This study revealed that CB2 receptors may play a bigger function in brain-related activities than previously known.īoth CB2 and CB1 are g-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), a large and diverse group of cell membrane receptors, that connect with and activate intracellular messenger proteins of the Gi/Go family.

However, non-neuronal brain cells called microglia appear to express CB2 receptors in response to inflammation and injury.ĬB1 receptors are much more common in the brain than CB2 receptors, which are expressed mostly in immune cells that travel throughout the body. Unlike CB1, the CB2 receptor isn't typically found on neurons, except for in the brainstem and hippocampus. They're also found in the spleen, as well as in some bone and liver cells. They are most prominent in the central nervous system, where they interact with neurons.ĬB2 receptors, on the other hand, are mostly found on immune cells, which circulate throughout the body and brain via the bloodstream. Where are the CB1 and CB2 receptors located?ĬB1 receptors are primarily active in your brain, central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys. While they play slightly different roles in different parts of the body, both receptors are critical to the overall function of the cannabinoid system in the body. The body's most studied cannabinoid receptors are cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). Pain, stress, appetite, energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, reward and motivation, reproduction, and sleep are all functions that the ECS can modulate. The ECS, which is made up of a network of endocannabinoid receptors, helps the body maintain homeostasis through its three main components: “messenger” molecules called cannabinoids, the receptors that these molecules bind to, and the enzymes that break them down for the body to synthesize.

Every function in our bodies requires balance, or homeostasis, to perform at maximum capacity. Your CB2 receptors are most commonly found on immune cells.Ĭannabinoid receptors are an essential component of the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The body has two main cannabinoid receptors - the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor. An important protein in the body's endogenous cannabinoid system that is heavily involved in the body's immune system, and plays an important role in fighting inflammation.