Advances in the Anandamide / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ABSTRACT

Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide), an arachidonic acid derivative, is an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors, which are m embers of the G protein (Gi)-coupled receptors family. Ananamide is mainly foun d in central nervous system, immune system and uterus etc and mimics most of the effects of (－)Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoid ［(－)Δ9-THC］, a psyco active derivative of marijuana. Fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which is inv olved in hydrolyzing anandamide to arachidonic acid and ethanolamide, may quickl y regulate level of anandamide in vivo.