Receptors and channels

Cannabinoids produce effects through a variety of binding places in the body. These binding places is where certain processes occur, which lead to different effects by, for example, activating molecules, or letting ions flow. These binding places are called receptors and ion channels, and there are different types of each. In this chapter, we will describe a few important ones that are relevant for cannabis and the endocannabinoid system: G-coupled protein receptors and ion channels. Binding to or activation of these triggers different effects in our bodies.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)

G-protein coupled receptors are a family of proteins that detect specific molecules outside of a cell and, upon binding, activate a signaling pathway inside the cell. Important cannabis molecules exert many pharmacological effects by binding and interacting with the GPCRs cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB₁ and CB₂).¹^, ²^, ³ There are also other GPCRs that cannabinoids act upon, including the serotonin receptor, β-adrenergic receptor, and µ-opioid receptor, but these interactions are studied less thoroughly.⁴^, ⁵

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels

Besides GCP-receptors, cannabinoids also bind to ion channels, which are pore-shaped proteins in a cell membrane that allow ions {call-out, text:Electrically charged particles} to pass through. This ion movement influences electrical signals that allow communication between cells and thereby effects. One of these ion channels is the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV-1) channel, belonging to the family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Through TRPV-1, cannabinoids can affect the sensation of pain.⁶^, ⁷^, ⁸ This channel might be familiar to you under the name capsaicin receptor, and is, indeed, the place that is activated by the hot chili pepper molecule capsaicin as well. Watch a brief summary video about CB₁ and CB₂ made in collaboration with Enlighten on YouTube or on the screens page. References:

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