Pharmacological activity of the cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide, a brain constituent

Eur J Pharmacol. 1993 Feb 9;231(2):313-4. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(93)90468-w.

Abstract

Anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide) is a brain constituent which binds to the cannabinoid receptor. We now report the first in vivo examination of this ligand. Anandamide administered i.p. in mice, caused lowering of activity in an immobility and in an open field test, and produced hypothermia and analgesia. These effects parallel those caused by psychotropic cannabinoids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amides / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids*
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug / drug effects*
  • Stimulation, Chemical

Substances

  • Amides
  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Dronabinol
  • anandamide