Abstract
Cannabinoids (natural, endogenous and synthetic compounds) produce vasorelaxation in resistance and conduit arteries. Several putative mechanisms have been proposed to explain this effect of cannabinoids. The aim of the present review is to discuss the different mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect of endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids in resistance and conduit arteries. Research on the vascular effects of cannabinoids suggests that the magnitude of the vasorelaxation and the mechanisms involved are not identical in all vascular beds with one or two mechanisms predominating. Either extracellular or intracellular mechanisms are involved. With regard to the former, the stimulation of cannabinoid CB1, CB2 or nonCB1/nonCB2 cannabinoid receptors and the stimulation of vanilloid receptors, transient potential vanilloid receptors, on perivascular nerve endings with the subsequent release of the vasodilator neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide have been described. With regard to the latter, the main mechanisms implicated include nitric oxide release, metabolism to vasoactive arachidonic metabolites or prostanoid analogues, or endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor release. The knowledge of these mechanisms is crucial to identify new therapeutic targets and to understand the consequences in different vascular beds.
Keywords: Cannabinoids, blood vessels, vasorelaxation, mechanisms
Current Vascular Pharmacology
Title: Vasorelaxation Caused by Cannabinoids: Mechanisms in Different Vascular Beds
Volume: 6 Issue: 4
Author(s): Visitacion Lopez-Miranda, Esperanza Herradon and M Isabel Martin
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cannabinoids, blood vessels, vasorelaxation, mechanisms
Abstract: Cannabinoids (natural, endogenous and synthetic compounds) produce vasorelaxation in resistance and conduit arteries. Several putative mechanisms have been proposed to explain this effect of cannabinoids. The aim of the present review is to discuss the different mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect of endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids in resistance and conduit arteries. Research on the vascular effects of cannabinoids suggests that the magnitude of the vasorelaxation and the mechanisms involved are not identical in all vascular beds with one or two mechanisms predominating. Either extracellular or intracellular mechanisms are involved. With regard to the former, the stimulation of cannabinoid CB1, CB2 or nonCB1/nonCB2 cannabinoid receptors and the stimulation of vanilloid receptors, transient potential vanilloid receptors, on perivascular nerve endings with the subsequent release of the vasodilator neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide have been described. With regard to the latter, the main mechanisms implicated include nitric oxide release, metabolism to vasoactive arachidonic metabolites or prostanoid analogues, or endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor release. The knowledge of these mechanisms is crucial to identify new therapeutic targets and to understand the consequences in different vascular beds.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Lopez-Miranda Visitacion, Herradon Esperanza and Martin Isabel M, Vasorelaxation Caused by Cannabinoids: Mechanisms in Different Vascular Beds, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2008; 6 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108785909706
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108785909706 |
Print ISSN 1570-1611 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6212 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Ischemic Cardiovascular Diseases: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Therapy
Ischemic cardiovascular disease includes myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, angina pectoris, etc., constitute the leading cause of patient mortality by preventing tissues from getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic heart disease, as a clinical condition, is characterized by myocardial ischemia, causing an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, ...read more
TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC AND END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease, accounting for more than half of all deaths in dialysis patients. During the past decade, research has been focused on novel therapeutic agents that might delay or even reverse cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Genetics and Bioenergetics of Mitochondria Influencing the Etiology and Pharmacology of Steroidal Hormones
Current Pharmacogenomics Intrinsic Properties of Mesemchymal Stem Cells from Human Bone Marrow, Umbilical Cord and Umbilical Cord Blood Comparing the Different Sources of MSC
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Antiarrhythmic Potential of Drugs Targeting the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Ca<sup>2+</sup> Release Channel: Case Study of Dantrolene
Current Pharmaceutical Design G-protein Dependent Platelet Signaling - Perspectives for Therapy
Current Drug Targets Misfolding of Apoprotein B-100, LDL Aggregation and 17-β -estradiol in Atherogenesis
Current Medicinal Chemistry Facing Up the ROS Labyrinth - Where To Go?
Current Vascular Pharmacology Myocardial Revascularization Strategies in Diabetic Patients with Multi-Vessel Disease: CABG vs DES-Based PCI
Current Pharmaceutical Design Association Between Intra-Hospital Uncontrolled Glycemia and Health Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Current Diabetes Reviews Statin Intolerance: Why and What to do – With a Focus on Diabetic People
Current Medicinal Chemistry Epidemiology and Adverse Consequences of Hookah/Waterpipe Use: A Systematic Review
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Antiplatelet Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Treatment
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 as a Therapeutic Target in Cerebral Ischemia
Current Signal Transduction Therapy Editorial (Thematic Issues: Pharmacological Mechanisms and Interventions in Ischemia/ Reperfusion-Induced Injury)
Current Pharmaceutical Design Copper-62 Labeled ReCCMSH Peptide Analogs for Melanoma PET Imaging
Current Radiopharmaceuticals Stroke Subtypes and their Possible Implication in Stroke Prevention Drug Strategies
Current Vascular Pharmacology Angiogenesis as Risk Factor for Plaque Vulnerability
Current Pharmaceutical Design Review of the Biological Activity of Maslinic Acid
Current Drug Targets Acute Actions of Natriuretic Peptides in Coronary Vasculature and Ischaemic Myocardium
Current Pharmaceutical Design NAD<sup>+</sup>/NADH Metabolism and NAD<sup>+</sup>-Dependent Enzymes in Cell Death and Ischemic Brain Injury: Current Advances and Therapeutic Implications
Current Medicinal Chemistry Immediate and Late Adverse Reactions to Iodinated Contrast Media: A Pharmacological Point of View
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry