Cannabinoid Science 101: What Is 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)?

Just like anandamide, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was discovered in the process of cannabis research. The occurrence of 2-AG in mammals was discovered in mid-90s, in Raphael Mechoulam’s laboratory at the University of Jerusalem. The discovery of both 2-AG and anandamide successfully established the existence of a neuromodulatory system facilitated completely by cannabinoids called the endocannabinoid system.

Chemical structure & properties of 2-AG

2-AG is a member of a group of molecules that derive from arachidonic acid or two other 20-carbon essential fatty acids (EFAs) known as EPA and DGLA. These molecules, known as eicosanoids, are all oxidised versions of these 20-carbon (containing 20 carbon atoms per molecule) EFAs, and play a complex and important role in various bodily processes including immunity and inflammation.

The chemical formula for 2-AG, which can be classed as a fatty acid ester of glycerol as it converts the hydroxyl group of glycerol into a carboxyl group, has the molecular formula C23H38O4 and a molar mass of 378.3 g/mol. Due to its long hydrocarbon tail, the molecule can easily be broken down by the actions of lipid metabolism enzymes.

Synthesis and degradation of 2-AG

2-AG is formed similarly to anandamide—through the reaction of arachidonic acid with another endogenous molecule. However, unlike anandamide, 2-AG requires glycerol rather than a free amine to make the chemical changes required.

Rather than directly synthesising from the degradation of arachidonic acid, 2-AG is formed when the arachidonic acid-containing phospholipid diacylglycerol (DAG) reacts with glycerol. The enzyme that facilitates this process is known as the DAG lipase.

2-AG is degraded by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, also responsible for the degradation of anandamide) and several uncharacterised enzymes. It is believed that MAGL is responsible for up to 85% of this degradation process.

Related post

Culture,

A Chat With Ben Lind: From Soil to Science

Mark Smith
11 Jun 2024

Physiological effects of 2-AG

2-AG is the most abundant endocannabinoid found in the body, and like anandamide, is thought to play an important role in the regulation of appetite, immune system functions and pain management. It is one of the two most studied endogenous cannabinoids. Given that modern science has only known about the endocannabinoid system since 1992, 2-AG and anandamide may not be the only two.

The full function of 2-AG is yet to be established by modern science, mainly owing to its rapid metabolism in the body. However, it is known that 2-AG plays a vital role in the circulatory system, and either directly or indirectly affects the blood vessels and the heart.

Scientists at the University of Tokyo discovered that 2-AG signalling is an important aspect of seizure suppression. There are various ways for elevating 2-AG levels in the human body, especially using a mechanism that inhibits the enzyme that breaks down 2-AG. Using this technique, researchers found that elevated levels of 2-AG decreased the occurrence of generalized seizures. This suggests a vital role for 2-AG in neurological conditions that affect motor control.

Interestingly, 2-AG has also been found in human breast milk, and in much higher levels than anandamide. Israeli scientists hypothesize that the purpose of 2-AG’s existence in breast milk is to initiate and stimulate the suckling response from an infant to its mothers breast. As most of us are aware, the infant’s life depends on this ability to suck milk from its mother’s breast. The more milk that is released from the breast, the greater the levels of 2-AG which are created in breast milk. This creates a pattern of suckling between the infant and mother which is vital to its survival and development.

2-AG and its relevance to modern medicine

2-AG, along with the rest of the endocannabinoid system, is quickly becoming a target for the treatment of various conditions. Its role in the circulatory system has made it a potential target for cardiac related illnesses, while its effect on neurology makes it a potential target for neurodegenerative conditions.

A lot of scientific attention has been paid to the endocannabinoid system’s role in neurodegenerative conditions. In fact, a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system is hypothesized to be at the root of multiple conditions. Ethan Russo calls this condition Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. 2-AG’s role at the cannabinoid receptor 1 site makes it a potential target for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. 2-AG is even hypothesized to play a role in the development of schizophrenia, and is being researched as a target for treatment of psychiatric illnesses.

It is clear that 2-AG plays important roles in human physiology, along with its cousin, anandamide. As research continues in the direction of these two endocannabinoids, they continue to become novel targets for a range of different treatments.