“Cannabinoid pharmacology has made important advances in recent years after the discovery of the cannabinoid receptors.
These discoveries have added to our understanding of exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid signaling along with exploring the various pathways of their biosynthesis, molecular structure, inactivation, and anatomical distribution of their receptors throughout the body.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in immunoregulation and neuroprotection.
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors occurring naturally throughout the vertebrate body and the availability of highly selective and potent canabimimetics led to the identification of a naturally occurring lipid signaling system termed the endocannabinoid system.
Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system dates back very long in the evolution because it exists as an ancient plant signaling system regulating the plant immunity-related genes in response to infection and stress.
The main pharmacological functions of the endocannabinoid system include neuromodulation, controlling motor functions, cognition, emotional responses, homeostasis and motivation. However, in the periphery, this system is an important modulator of autonomic nervous system, the immune system and microcirculation.
There have been a number of recent studies which have demonstrated that the endocannabinoids have both inhibitory effects and stimulatory impact on the immune system and may be actually important in homeostasis or control of the immune reactions.
The image of endocannabinoid system now appears to be of a modulatory complex which affects the physiological functions in peripheral tissues and can thus be considered as a potential therapeutic target in the future.
Thus, manipulation of endocannabinoids in vivo may constitute a novel treatment modality against inflammatory disorders.”
