The cannabinoid receptor (CB2 receptor)

There are at least two subtypes of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptors are highly expressed throughout the peripheral nervous system and are closely associated with the immune system. Both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are coupled to inhibitory G-proteins. Activation of the cannabinoid receptors causes inhibition of adenylate cyclase and a subsequent decrease in the concentration of cAMP in the cell, resulting in the inhibition of neurotransmission.

Click the image to view high resolution version

References

Anaesthesia 2001;56:1059–1068.

The pharmacology and biochemistry of cannabinoid receptors. The University of Nottingham. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/~mqzwww/cannabinoid.html. Accessed on 18 January 2011.