Modulation of the cannabinoid receptors by hemopressin peptides.

Changes in the endocannabinoid system are implicated in numerous diseases, making it an attractive target for pharmaceutical development. The endocannabinoid receptors have traditionally been thought to act through the effects of lipophilic messengers called cannabinoids. The exciting finding of endocannabinoid system modulation by the nonapeptide hemopressin and its N-terminal extensions has highlighted the complexity of cannabinoid biology and pharmacology and sparked interest for therapeutic purposes. However, many questions surrounding the generation and regulation of the hemopressin peptides, the self-assembly of hemopressin and the potential for drug development based on hemopressin remain and are discussed in this review.