Description
2-Arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG; ) is an endogenous agonist of the CB
1 and CB
2 cannabinoid receptors. 2-Palmitoyl glycerol is a fatty acid ester that does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors, nor inhibit adenylyl cyclase, but rather potentiates the activity of 2-AG (and other endocannabinoids) to bind to CB
1 and CB
2 and inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This “entourage” effect has been attributed to blockade of the breakdown and reuptake pathways that normally function to reduce endocannabinoid levels rapidly upon release. 2-Palmitoyl glycerol and related endogenous fatty acid derivatives have been shown to interact with endocannabinoids in the modulation of pain sensitivity.
Chemical Properties
White Solid
Uses
A biomarker of metabolic responses to hepatotoxicants and carcinogens.
Definition
ChEBI: A 2-monoglyceride where the acyl group is hexadecanoyl (palmitoyl).
Biological Activity
Endogenous fatty acid glycerol ester that enhances activity of 2-arachidonylglycerol ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic acid,2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester ). Does not bind to CB 1 or CB 2 cannabinoid receptors, but potentiates the apparent binding of 2-AG and increases its ability to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Enhances in vivo cannabinoid effects of 2-AG following combined administration with 2-linoleoylglycerol.
