Endogenous cannabinoids: structure and metabolism.
The finding of specific binding sites for Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and has emphasised the physiological and pathological relevance of endocannabidoid lipid signalling. Subsequently, an increasing number of papers have been published on the biochemistry and pharmacology of endocannabinoids. An overview of the current understanding of structure and metabolism of the best studied endocannabinoids is provided, with a focus on the mechanisms responsible for their biosynthesis and inactivation.
Bisogno
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Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy. tbisogno@icmib.na.cnr.it
D000818:Animals; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D019856:Ethanolamine / Q000737:chemistry; D005989:Glycerides / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005989:Glycerides; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D019856:Ethanolamine; C094503:glyceryl 2-arachidonate; C078814:anandamide