JZL184 is a useful tool for studying the effects of endogenous 2-AG signaling. JZL184 displays time-dependent inhibition of MAGL and exhibits >300-fold selectivity for MAGL over FAAH in vitro. JZL184 does not interact with CB1 or CB2 receptors and does not inhibit the 2-AG biosynthetic enzymes diacylglycerol lipase-αand diacylglycerol lipase-β, or the arachidonic acid–mobilizing enzyme cytosolic phospholipase A2 group IVA.
In vivo
JZL184 produced a rapid and sustained blockade of brain 2-AG hydrolase activity in mice, resulting in eight-fold elevations in endogenous 2-AG levels that are maintained for at least 8 h. JZL184-treated mice showed a wide array of CB1-dependent behavioral effects, including analgesia, hypomotility and hypothermia, that suggest a broad role for 2-AG–mediated endocannabinoid signaling throughout the mammalian nervous system.