From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Anandamide, also known as arachidonylethanolamine, is a naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found in the brains of mammals. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss".
Anandamide's effects can be either central, in the brain, or peripheral, in other parts of the body.
The receptor that anandamide binds to is one member of the largest known family of receptors, the G-protein-coupled receptors, which have a distinctive pattern in which the receptor molecule spans the cell membrane seven times over.
Anandamide receptors have been found to be sensitive to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is among the psychoactive cannabinoids found in marijuana. Cannabinoids also occur in minute quantities in the cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao), and in chocolate.
Anandamide receptors have been shown to be involved in the management of short term memory. Studies are under way to explore what role anandamide plays in human behavior, such as eating and sleep patterns, and the part it plays in pain relief.
