Anandamide (AEA)
/ah-NAN-duh-mide/
N-arachidonoylethanolamine. The first endocannabinoid identified. A partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, named from the Sanskrit word "ananda" meaning bliss.
In Depth
Anandamide is synthesized on demand from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) by NAPE-PLD. It is rapidly degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). AEA also activates TRPV1 channels and GPR55. Its short half-life and lipophilicity make it difficult to study in vivo. FAAH inhibitors that increase AEA levels are under investigation for anxiety, pain, and PTSD.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Pharmacology
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitter system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), their receptors (CB1, CB2), and metabolic enzymes.
CB1 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 1. A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in the central nervous system. The primary target of THC's psychoactive effects.
CB2 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 2. A GPCR primarily expressed in immune tissues and peripheral organs. Less abundant in the CNS than CB1.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
The most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain. A full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase)
The primary enzyme responsible for degrading anandamide and other fatty acid amides. A key target for increasing endocannabinoid tone.