Endocannabinoids and vascular function. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2000 Jul;294(1):27-32
Date
06/28/2000Pubmed ID
10871291Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0033917648 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 165 CitationsAbstract
Marijuana is used by humans for its psychoactive and medicinal effects. The active constituents of marijuana, the cannabinoids, exert effects via a G protein-coupled receptor, CB(1). Two arachidonic acid analogs, N-arachidonylethanolamine and 2-arachidonylglycerol are hypothesized to function as endogenous ligands of the CB(1) receptor. The cannabinoids exert significant vascular effects in humans and laboratory animals. In particular, the cannabinoids produce vasodilation and hypotension. The possible mechanisms for these effects are inhibition of transmitter release from sympathetic nerve terminals, direct effects on vascular smooth muscle cells, and effects on endothelial cell function. The data regarding these effects of the cannabinoids and possible sources of endocannabinoid ligands in the vasculature are the subjects of this review.
Author List
Hillard CJAuthor
Cecilia J. Hillard PhD Associate Dean, Center Director, Professor in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsArachidonic Acids
Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
Dronabinol
Endocannabinoids
Endothelium, Vascular
Glycerides
Humans
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
Neurons, Afferent
Polyunsaturated Alkamides
Receptors, Cannabinoid
Receptors, Drug
