The cannabinoid receptors are a class of receptors under the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. Their ligands are known as cannabinoids.
There are currently two known subtypes, CB1 which is expressed mainly in the basal ganglia and the limbic system of the brain, but also in the lungs, liver and kidneys and CB2 which is expressed on T cells of the immune system. CB1 and CB2 are approximately 44% homologous and as such, allows for development of selective agonists and antagonists for both subtypes.
Cannabinoid receptors work by inhibiting adenylate cyclase and thereby inhibit production of the second messenger molecule cyclic AMP. They are activated by cannabinoids, found naturally inside the body or introduced as a drug (which may be a synthetic compound or a herbal extract.)
See also
Cannabinoids
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