Endocannabinoids and related fatty acid derivatives in pain modulation.

Abstract

The brain produces at least five compounds that possess sub-micromolar affinity for cannabinoid receptors: anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, noladin ether, virodhamine, and N-arachidonoyldopamine (NADA). One function of these and/or related compounds is to suppress pain sensitivity. Much evidence supports a role of endocannabinoids in pain modulation in general, and some evidence points to the role of particular endocannabinoids. Related endogenous fatty acid derivatives such as oleamide, palmitoylethanolamide, 2-lineoylglycerol, 2-palmitoylglycerol, and a family of arachidonoyl amino acids may interact with endocannabinoids in the modulation of pain sensitivity.

• Authors: J Michael Walker, Jocelyn F Krey, Constance J Chu, Susan M Huang
• Journal: Chemistry and physics of lipids (Chem Phys Lipids) Vol. 121 Issue 1-2 Pg. 159-72 (Dec 31 2002) ISSN: 0009-3084 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 12505698 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
• Endocannabinoids
• Fatty Acids
• Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
• Receptors, Cannabinoid
• Receptors, Drug

Topics

• Animals
• Biomarkers
• Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
• Endocannabinoids
• Fatty Acids (chemistry, metabolism, pharmacology)
• Fatty Acids, Unsaturated (chemistry, metabolism, pharmacology)
• Humans
• Nervous System (metabolism)
• Pain (metabolism)
• Receptors, Cannabinoid
• Receptors, Drug (metabolism)