ABSTRACT: Endocannabinoids are endogenous bioactive lipid mediators present both in the brain and various peripheral tissues, which exert their biological effects via interaction with specific G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2. Pathological overactivation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in various forms of shock and heart failure may contribute to ... Continue Reading
Cardiovascular Disease
STUDY: The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rat mesenteric vasculature, and its interactions with the endocannabinoid anandamide
ABSTRACT: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces varying effects in mesenteric arteries: vasorelaxation (third-order branches, G3), modest vasorelaxation (G2), no effect (G1) and vasoconstriction (the superior mesenteric artery, G0). In G3, vasorelaxation to THC was inhibited by pertussis toxin, but was unaffected by the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 (1 μm), ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Noladin ether, a putative endocannabinoid, attenuates sensory neurotransmission in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed via a non-CB1/CB2 Gi/o linked receptor
ABSTRACT: Noladin ether has recently been reported to be an endocannabinoid, with selectivity for the cannabinoid (CB) CB1 receptor. In the present study, we investigated the effects of noladin ether in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed, cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells and human vanilloid (TRPV1)-receptor-expressing HEK293 cells (TRPV1-HEK293 ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Cannabinoids
ABSTRACT: Cannabinoids and their synthetic and endogenous analogs affect a broad range of physiological functions, including cardiovascular variables, the most important component of their effect being profound hypotension. The mechanisms of the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids in vivo are complex and may involve modulation of autonomic outflow in both the central and ... Continue Reading
STUDY: TRPV channels and vascular function
ABSTRACT: Transient receptor potential channels, of the vanilloid subtype (TRPV), act as sensory mediators, being activated by endogenous ligands, heat, mechanical and osmotic stress. Within the vasculature, TRPV channels are expressed in smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, as well as in peri-vascular nerves. Their varied distribution and polymodal activation properties ... Continue Reading