Fact Checked by Doctor NameCB2 receptors, which are essential to the endocannabinoid system, are less well-known than CB1.
New CB2 receptor results in inflammation, pain, and immune system function are significant.
Cannabinoid treatment may benefit from CB2 knowledge.
What are CB2 Receptors?
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The body possesses cell membrane-bound CB2 receptors. Protein-coupled GPCRs. Spleen, tonsils, thymus, mast cells, monocytes, macrophages, B and T cells have CB2 receptors.
CNS hypocenter. Brains and nervous systems have many CB1 receptors, while immune systems do not.
Like CB1, CB2 receptors interact with THC, CBD, and body-produced endocannabinoids. CB2 has unique roles according to its location and signaling.
THC activation of CB1 causes psychoactivity; however, CB2 does not.
What do CB2 Receptors Do?
Activation of CB2 receptors modulates inflammation. Endocannabinoids like 2-AG decrease inflammation by binding to immune cell CB2 receptors.
THC and CBD also activate CB2 receptors, preventing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Based on animal research, CB2 activation may reduce inflammation, discomfort, and muscular spasms.
It regulates immunological function and autoimmune illnesses complexly. Selectively activating CB2 receptors over CB1 is a promising therapeutic target.
The Difference Between CB1 and CB2 Receptors
The key differences between the two main cannabinoid receptors include:
- Locations – CB1 is primarily in the nervous system, and CB2 is abundant in immune tissues.
- Psychoactivity – CB1 activation causes the “high” from THC; CB2 does not.
- Functions – CB1 mediates cognition, movement, pain perception. CB2 modulates inflammation and immune responses.
- Expression – CB1 is present early in development, while CB2 expression increases after birth.
- Potential clinical applications – Conditions including pain and epilepsy have CB1 as a target. CB2 may help with conditions including inflammation, autoimmune illness, IBD, osteoporosis, and liver fibrosis.
Although their distributions and effects on the body are distinct, CB1 and CB2 work together via the endocannabinoid system.
Knowing the roles that cannabinoids play will allow for the development of more targeted therapeutics.
