Inhibition of 2-arachidonoylglycerol catabolism modulates vasoconstriction of rat middle cerebral artery by the thromboxane mimetic, U-46619.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells express the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and CB1 agonists produce vasodilatation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The thromboxane A2 mimetic, U-46619, increased the content of the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the MCA and 2-AG moderated the vasoconstriction produced by U46619 in this tissue. The purposes of this study were to examine the extent to which 2-AG is catabolized by cerebral arteries and to determine whether blockade of 2-AG inactivation potentiates its feedback inhibition of U-44619-mediated vasoconstriction.

Experimental approach

The diameters of isolated, perfused MCA from male rats were measured using videomicroscopy.

Key results

Exogenous 2-AG produces a CB1 receptor-dependen

SUBMITTER: Hillard CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2190024 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature