Pharmacological characterization of receptor types mediating the dilator action of anandamide on blood vessels of the rat knee joint.

This study investigates the actions of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenamide (anandamide) on blood flow of the rat knee joint. Topical bolus administration of anandamide (10-1000 nmol) onto the exposed knee joint capsules produced dose-dependent increases in the knee joint blood flow. Various antagonists were tested on the vasodilator response to 100 nmol anandamide.