Figure 1.

Anandamide’s signaling pathways linked to vasorelaxation.

This effect would mainly occur through the activation of CB₁/CB₂, TRPV1, and CBe receptors. Inhibition of the enzymes COX-1/COX-2 and FAAH, responsible for the metabolism of AEA, would increase the bioavailability of AEA, increasing its effects on the cardiovascular system. Continuous lines indicate ‘activation’ and ‘inhibition or blocking’ dashed lines.

CB, cannabinoid; TRPV1, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V type 1; CBe, non-CB₁/non CB₂ endothelial receptor; COX, cyclooxygenase; FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase; AEA, anandamide; MAP, mean arterial pressure.