2-Arachidonylglycerol

Uses2-Arachidonoylglycerol is a major endocannabinoid, which can inhibit synaptic transmission by presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors. It plays an inhibitory role in the bombesin-induced activation of central adrenomedullary outflow in rats.

General Description2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), is an endocannabinoid, an endogenous agonist of the CB1 receptor. 2-AG, unlike anandamide, is present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system; it is the most abundant molecular species of monoacylglycerol found in mouse and rat brain (~5-10 nmol/g tissue). Detection of 2-AG in brain tissue is complicated by the relative ease of its isomerization to 1-AG during standard lipid extraction conditions. Unlike anandamide, formation of 2-AG is calcium-dependent and is mediated by the activities of phospholipase C (PLC) and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL). 2-AG acts as a full agonist at the CB1 receptor. At a concentration of 0.3nM, 2-AG induces a rapid, transient increase in intracellular free calcium in NG108-15 neuroblastoma X glioma cells through a CB1 receptor-dependent mechanism. 2-AG is hydrolyzed in vitro by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and the uncharacterized serine hydrolase enzymes ABHD6 and ABHD12.