ABSTRACT

This review summarizes current knowledge about cannabinoid receptors and their ligands. It concentrates particularly on the distribution pattern of these receptors, their effector systems, the pharmacological and physiological effects they may mediate, the pharmacology, distribution, formation, release and fate of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide, and the state of play regarding the development of selective cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists and of inhibitors of anandamide synthesis and metabolism. The possible physiological significance of anandamide is also discussed as is the existence of other endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonists. The review begins with a brief account of the molecular biology of cannabinoid receptors. However, the emphasis throughout is on the pharmacology of these receptors.