The quest for a vascular endothelial cannabinoid receptor

This review examines pharmacological and biochemical evidence that suggests the existence of an as yet undefined endothelial receptor that mediates endocannabinoid-induced vasodilation. The signaling mechanisms triggered through this receptor and its potential physiological role are also discussed....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 2002-12, Vol.121 (1), p.45-56
Main Authors: Kunos, George, Bátkai, Sándor, Offertáler, László, Mo, Fanny, Liu, Jie, Karcher, Jan, Harvey-White, Judith
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Arachidonic Acids - pharmacology
Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
Cannabinoids - metabolism
Cannabinoids - pharmacology
Endocannabinoids
Endothelium
Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects
Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism
Endothelium, Vascular - physiology
G proteins
Glycerides - pharmacology
GTP-Binding Proteins - metabolism
Humans
Hypotension
Mesenterium
Polyunsaturated Alkamides
Receptors, Cannabinoid
Receptors, Drug - metabolism
Receptors, Drug - physiology
Vasodilation - drug effects
Vasodilation - physiology
Vasorelaxation
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Summary:This review examines pharmacological and biochemical evidence that suggests the existence of an as yet undefined endothelial receptor that mediates endocannabinoid-induced vasodilation. The signaling mechanisms triggered through this receptor and its potential physiological role are also discussed. Since vasodilation is often associated with hypotension, mechanisms involved in the hypotensive actions of cannabinoids, including the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are also briefly reviewed.
ISSN:0009-3084
1873-2941
DOI:10.1016/S0009-3084(02)00145-7