Retrograde Transmitter System Explained (Endocannabinoids & Nitric Oxide) | Clip

[@carolinejames5495]

Thank you for this!

[@sciencewithtal]

My pleasure!!

[@8hiphop7]

Isn`t 2-AG broken down by MAGL (Monoacylglycerol lipase)? And is THC considered to have a retrograde effect or is this term solely used for the EC´s? ty

[@sciencewithtal]

You are right, 2-AG does get broken down by MAGL but that is to produce arachidonic acid (AA). You still need DAGL (diacylglycerol lipase) to make 2-AG from DAG. In my opinion the terminology for retrograde implies that the postsynaptic cell communicates with the presynaptic one; hence, since THC is not sent by the postsynaptic cell but rather comes from blood circulation, it is not technically retrograde signalling as compared to ECs. Some people may still call THC retrograde because it binds to the same receptors as ECs but I do not find this to be retrograde personally; it seems this issue may be one of perspective. Hopefully that answers your questions, let me know if I can help further!

[@8hiphop7]

@@sciencewithtal Thank you very much and I think you are right it seems there needs to be a postsynaptic release of some kind for "retrograde"