Abstract
The major endocannabinoids, anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide, 20:4n-6 N-acylethanolamine) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are structurally and functionally similar, but they are produced by different metabolic pathways and their levels must therefore be regulated by different mechanisms. Both endocannabinoids are accompanied by cannabinoid receptor-inactive, saturated and mono- or di-unsaturated congeners which can influence their metabolism and function. Here we review published data on the presence and production of anandamide and 2-AG and their congeners in mammalian cells and discuss this information in terms of their proposed signaling functions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arachidonic Acids / chemistry
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Arachidonic Acids / metabolism
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Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology
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Arachidonic Acids / physiology*
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Biological Transport
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
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Cannabinoids / metabolism
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Cell Line
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Endocannabinoids
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Glycerides / chemistry
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Glycerides / metabolism
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Glycerides / pharmacology
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Glycerides / physiology*
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Humans
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides
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Receptors, Cannabinoid
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Receptors, Drug / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
Substances
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Arachidonic Acids
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
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Cannabinoids
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Endocannabinoids
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Glycerides
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Membrane Proteins
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides
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Receptors, Cannabinoid
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Receptors, Drug
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glyceryl 2-arachidonate
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
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anandamide