|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
A history of the ECS Lee O'Doherty-Bushnell Lee O'Doherty-Bushnell Tuesday 18 Jul 2023 The earliest creature believed to have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) is thought to be the common ancestor of all vertebrates, which lived around 600 million years ago. The ECS is an ancient and highly conserved biological system, meaning that its fundamental components have remained relatively unchanged throughout evolutionary history. As vertebrates evolved and diversified, the ECS became an integral part of their physiology, adapting to fulfill various functions in different species. While the ECS is most well-studied in mammals, including humans, it is also present in other vertebrates such as birds, fish, and reptiles. Throughout evolutionary history, the ECS has undergone some changes and adaptations to suit the needs of different species. For example, the distribution and density of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) may vary among different vertebrates based on their physiological requirements. CB1 receptors, which are primarily found in the central nervous system, have been identified in various regions of the brain and spinal cord in different vertebrate species. CB2 receptors, mainly associated with the immune system, are present in peripheral tissues and immune cells. The endocannabinoids themselves, such as anandamide and 2-AG, have been found in a wide range of vertebrates, indicating their significance in maintaining biological balance and homeostasis. Interestingly, even some invertebrate species, such as certain mollusks, arthropods, and nematodes, have been discovered to have ECS-like systems, although they may not be as complex as those found in vertebrates. The existence of the ECS in such a diverse array of species, both vertebrate and invertebrate, suggests that this system has played a crucial role in the regulation of essential physiological functions throughout evolution. Its ancient origin and conservation across species underscore the importance of the ECS in promoting biological balance and survival.
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!