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2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) membrane transport: History and outlook

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Abstract

Only a few studies have addressed the transport of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a naturally occurring agonist for cannabinoid receptors. Based upon saturation kinetics, these early reports have proposed that 2-AG enters the cell by a specific 2-AG transporter, via the putative anandamide transporter, or by simple diffusion. In this review, the uptake of 2-AG is discussed in light of the recent advances that have been made for anandamide transport, where the mechanism appears to be rate-limited diffusion through the membrane. Endocannabinoids may be a distinct class of agonists since they are hydrophobic and neutral, exhibiting similar biophysical properties to some anesthetics that freely diffuse through the membrane.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11795-5215, Stony Brook, NY

    Anita Hermann, Martin Kaczocha & Dale G. Deutsch

Authors
  1. Anita Hermann
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  2. Martin Kaczocha
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  3. Dale G. Deutsch
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Correspondence to Dale G. Deutsch.

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Published: June 16, 2006

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Hermann, A., Kaczocha, M. & Deutsch, D.G. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) membrane transport: History and outlook. AAPS J 8, 47 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02854913

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02854913

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