PubMed · 16927468
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Emma Baines. 2006-08-22. Viewpoint: the endocannabinoid system.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16927468/
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We have synthesized 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives of several fatty acids associated with the endocannabinoid metabolome using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in a 1-step reaction by microwave irradiation. The derivatization incorporates a nitrogen into the final product, which allows for improved detection by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mode. Palmitic and oleic acid derivatives show a 200-fold increase in sensitivity compared with the free acids when analyzed in negative-mode APCI. In addition to improving sensitivity, the oxazoline derivatization creates a similar ionization response for the fatty acids tested, which simplifies their quantitation. Fatty acid oxazoline derivatives can be detected using the same conditions optimized for the endocannabinoids, which allows for a simultaneous quantitation of the entire endocannabinoid metabolome.
Mammalian reproduction is a complicated process designed to diversify and strengthen the genetic complement of the offspring and to safeguard regulatory systems at various steps for propagating procreation. An emerging concept in mammalian reproduction is the role of endocannabinoids, a group of endogenously produced lipid mediators, that bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. Although adverse effects of cannabinoids on fertility have been implicated for years, the mechanisms by which they exert these effects were not clearly understood. With the identification of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, their key synthetic and hydrolytic pathways, and the generation of mouse models missing cannabinoid receptors, a wealth of information on the significance of cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling in spermatogenesis, fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, implantation, and postimplantation embryonic growth has been generated. This review focuses on various aspects of the endocannabinoid system in male and female fertility. It is hoped that a deeper insight would lead to potential clinical applications of the endocannabinoid signaling as a target for correcting infertility and improving reproductive health in humans.
The effect ofcannabis can be explained on the basis of the function of the cannabinoid receptor system, which consists of CB receptors (CB1, CB2), endoligands to activate these receptors and an enzyme--fatty acid amidohydrolase--to metabolize the endoligands. The endoligands of the cannabinoid receptor system are arachidonic acid-like substances, and are called endocannabinoids. Indications exist that the body also contains arachidonic acid-like substances that inhibit fatty acid amido hydrolase. Various cannabinoids have diverse effects on the receptors, functioning as agonists, antagonists or partial antagonists, as well as affecting the vanilloid receptor. Many known effects ofcannabis can be explained on the basis of this mechanism of action as can the use ofcannabis in various conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, nausea, vomiting and rheumatoid arthritis.