Endocannabinoid Analysis Service

Endocannabinoids are amphipathilic molecules synthesized from phospholipids in the nervous system. They are a part of the endocannabinoid system, which includes G protein-coupled receptors. The most extensively studied endocannabinoids are N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules consist of an amide or ester head connected to an arachidonoyl chain. Primarily, endocannabinoids exert their physiological effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors or TRP channels. Additionally, they interact with various membrane proteins even in the presence of classical receptor antagonists, indicating that endocannabinoids can mediate physiological activities independently of receptors.

 

Endocannabinoids have been shown to regulate a wide array of physiological and cognitive processes, including fertility, pregnancy, pre- and postnatal development, motor control, appetite, food intake, pain-sensation, mood, memory acquisition, and learning. In humans, exercise has been demonstrated to increase plasma endocannabinoid levels, as these molecules can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to exercise-induced euphoria. Disruptions in the endocannabinoid system are linked to several neuroinflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

 

Given the low abundance and structural variability of endocannabinoids, their quantification is challenging. The LC-MS/MS platform allows for the simultaneous relative and absolute quantification of multiple metabolites in this pathway. This technology is widely used in studying changes in metabolite concentrations and identifying potential biomarkers. MtoZ Biolabs offers quantitative endocannabinoid metabolite analysis services based on a sensitive, reliable, and accurate HPLC-MS/MS method. Free project evaluation!