Table 1.
Primary Components of the Mammalian ECS and stress signaling systems.
| System | Molecule | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Endocannabinoid System (ECS) | AEA (N-arachidonylethanolamine, anandamide) | Endocannabinoid |
| 2-AG (2-arachidonylglycerol) | Endocannabinoid | |
| CB1 | Cannabinoid receptor | |
| CB2 | Cannabinoid receptor | |
| FAAH (Fatty acid amide hydrolase) | Metabolize AEA into arachidonic acid and ethanolamine | |
| MAGL (Monoacylglycerol lipase) | Metabolize 2-AG into arachidonic acid and glycerol | |
| Stress Signaling | Cortisol | Endogenous stress hormone |
| Corticosterone | Endogenous stress hormone (murine only) | |
| Glucocorticoid Receptor | Cortisol receptor | |
| HSD11B1 (11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1, cortisone reductase) | Convert biologically inactive cortisone into active cortisol | |
| HSD11B2 (11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2) | Convert biologically active cortisol into inactive cortisone |