Metabolism of the endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonylglycerol and anandamide, into prostaglandin, thromboxane, and prostacyclin glycerol esters and ethanolamides

J Biol Chem. 2002 Nov 22;277(47):44877-85. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M206788200. Epub 2002 Sep 19.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) action on the endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), generates prostaglandin glycerol esters (PG-G) and ethanolamides (PG-EA), respectively. The diversity of PG-Gs and PG-EAs that can be formed enzymatically following COX-2 oxygenation of endocannabinoids was examined in cellular and subcellular systems. In cellular systems, glycerol esters and ethanolamides of PGE(2), PGD(2), and PGF(2alpha) were major products of the endocannabinoid-derived COX-2 products, PGH(2)-G and PGH(2)-EA. The sequential action of purified COX-2 and thromboxane synthase on AEA and 2-AG provided thromboxane A(2) ethanolamide and glycerol ester, respectively. Similarly, bovine prostacyclin synthase catalyzed the isomerization of the intermediate endoperoxides, PGH(2)-G and PGH(2)-EA, to the corresponding prostacyclin derivatives. Quantification of the efficiency of prostaglandin and thromboxane synthase-directed endoperoxide isomerization demonstrated that PGE, PGD, and PGI synthases catalyze the isomerization of PGH(2)-G at rates approaching those observed with PGH(2). In contrast, thromboxane synthase was far more efficient at catalyzing PGH(2) isomerization than at catalyzing the isomerization of PGH(2)-G. These results define the in vitro diversity of endocannabinoid-derived prostanoids and will permit focused investigations into their production and potential biological actions in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta / cytology
  • Aorta / metabolism
  • Arachidonic Acids / metabolism*
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Cattle
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Epoprostenol / metabolism*
  • Esters / metabolism
  • Glycerides / metabolism*
  • Glycerol / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Lipocalins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism
  • Prostaglandins / metabolism*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Thromboxane-A Synthase / metabolism
  • Thromboxanes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Esters
  • Glycerides
  • Isoenzymes
  • Lipocalins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Prostaglandins
  • Thromboxanes
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • Epoprostenol
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
  • prostaglandin R2 D-isomerase
  • Thromboxane-A Synthase
  • Glycerol
  • anandamide