Active agent of cannabis resemble which endogenous compound
**Core Concept**
The active agents of cannabis, particularly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a complex network of receptors and ligands that play a role in various physiological processes, including pain, mood, and appetite regulation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The active agents of cannabis, such as THC, resemble the endogenous compound anandamide, which is a fatty acid neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. Anandamide is often referred to as the "bliss molecule" due to its role in regulating mood and promoting feelings of well-being. The similarity between THC and anandamide is thought to be responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Anandamide is synthesized from the fatty acid arachidonic acid through the action of the enzyme N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Endorphins are endogenous opioids that play a role in pain modulation and stress response, but they are not structurally similar to the active agents of cannabis.
**Option B:** Endomorphins are a type of endogenous opioid peptide that binds to mu-opioid receptors, but they are not related to the endocannabinoid system or the active agents of cannabis.
**Option D:** Enkephalins are another type of endogenous opioid peptide that plays a role in pain modulation and stress response, but they are not structurally similar to the active agents of cannabis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and ligands that play a role in various physiological processes, including pain, mood, and appetite regulation. Understanding the endocannabinoid system is important for clinicians working in pain management, psychiatry, and nutrition.
**β Correct Answer: C. Anandamine**