Endocannabinoids

Eur J Pharmacol. 1998 Oct 16;359(1):1-18. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(98)00649-9.

Abstract

The background knowledge leading to the isolation and identification of anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, the principal endocannabinoids is described. The structure-activity relationships of these lipid derivatives are summarized. Selected biochemical and pharmacological topics in this field are discussed, the main ones being levels of endocannabinoids in unstimulated tissue and cells, biosynthesis, release and inactivation of endocannabinoids, the effects of 'entourage' compounds on the activities of anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, their signaling mechanisms and effects in animals.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / chemistry
  • Arachidonic Acids / isolation & purification
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacokinetics
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids / chemistry
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacokinetics
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabis / chemistry
  • Dronabinol / pharmacokinetics
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Signal Transduction
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Dronabinol
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • anandamide