Endocannabinoids belong to the group of fatty amides within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on a fatty acid which is often eicosanoic acid, a twenty carbon atoms long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group of endocannabinoids is linked to an ethanolamine molecule. The hydrocarbon chain of endocannabinoids may further encompass multiple double bonds and oxygen containing substituents.
Endocannabinoids all produce similar biological results through activating the G-protein-linked receptors CB1 and CB2. They act as signaling molecules and their biological function mainly relates to modifying metabolic and physiological processes. The subcellular location of the receptors as well as the cell type itself influence the physiological effect of an endocannabinoid.
Here you can read more about the analysis of endocannabinoids performed at Lipotype:
#FattyAcyls #lipid #lipidomics #MassSpectrometry #FattyAmide #endocannabinoid
