Restraint stress leads to elevated 2-AG but not AEA content of hypothalamic tissue. To determine whether restraint per se increases endocannabinoid synthesis in the PVN, AEA, and 2-AG levels were measured in the hypothalamus of rats subjected to 30 min restraint stress. A, AEA levels in control, restrained, and recovered animal groups; B, 2-AG levels. 2-AG levels were significantly elevated in restrained and recovery animals compared with unstressed controls. AEA levels were not altered. *, P < 0.05 vs. basal levels.