The stress response is a biological set of events that occurs when there is a real or perceived threat to homeostasis.
An increasing number of studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (eCB) plays an essential role in managing the stress response. One of the initial signs that suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the stress response was the fact that this system was very reliably effected by exposure to stress.
Studies have suggested that stress invokes bidirectional changes in the two endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), with stress exposure reducing AEA levels and increasing 2-AG levels.
In nearly every brain region examined, exposure to chronic stress reliably causes a loss of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Which as we have discussed in a earlier post, is in high concentration in your brain. But also found in your kidneys, liver, and lungs. They have been found to be involved in regulation of pain, mood, sleep, and memory.
Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that the decline in anandamide (AEA) suggests to contribute to the expression of the stress response, including activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis as well as increases in anxiety. While the increased 2-AG signaling contributes to restriction and alteration of the HPA axis, additionally potential contribution to changes in pain perception, memory and synaptic plasticity.
The effects of stress on the endocannabinoid system appear to be complex, regional, and dependent upon the amount of time exposed to stress and the recurrence of the stress exposure. The science behind our endocannabinoid system is still in its infancy. However, it is safe to say stress can play a huge role in it’s efficacy with maintaining homeostasis within our bodies.
