Anandamide

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Anandamide

Anandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), is a fatty acid neurotransmitter derived from the non-oxidative metabolism of eicosatetraenoic acid (arachidonic acid), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "joy, bliss, delight", and amide. It is synthesized from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways. It is degraded primarily by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme.

Chemistry

Anandamide is a member of the eicosanoid family and is classified as a cannabinoid. It is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is synthesized in the body on demand, rather than being stored in cells. It is derived from the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid.

Biosynthesis and degradation

Anandamide is synthesized enzymatically in the areas of the brain that are important in memory, thought processes and control of movement. It is produced from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways. However, its main pathway involves the enzyme N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD).

Anandamide is degraded primarily by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of anandamide and other fatty acid amides. FAAH is found in high amounts in the liver and lungs, and in lesser amounts in the brain.

Physiological functions

Anandamide has been shown to impair working memory in rats. Studies are under way to explore what role anandamide plays in human behavior, such as eating and sleep patterns, and pain relief.

Anandamide is also important for implantation of the early stage embryo in its blastocyst form into the uterus. Therefore, cannabinoids such as anandamide might play a crucial role in the regulation of human reproduction.

Medical implications

Anandamide plays a role in the regulation of feeding behavior, and the neural generation of motivation and pleasure. Anandamide injected directly into the forebrain reward-related brain structure nucleus accumbens enhances the pleasurable responses of rats to a rewarding sucrose taste, and enhances food intake as well.

Anandamide has also been found to be important in the regulation of mood, and has been found in elevated amounts in individuals suffering from schizophrenia and depression.

See also

• Cannabinoid
• Endocannabinoid system
• Fatty acid amide hydrolase
• Arachidonic acid

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