N-arachidonoylethanolamine hydrolases
n-arachidonoylethanolamine hydrolases
N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), also known as anandamide, is an endogenous cannabinoid that is a partial agonist of both cannabinoid receptors (CNR1 and CNR2). Termination of AEA signalling is mediated by hydrolytic enzymes. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) appears to be a primary regulator of AEA (and other N-acylethanolamine) levels inside the cell. N-Acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is a lysosomal enzyme, particularly associated with macrophages, which is also able to hydrolyse N-acylethanolamines, including AEA. FAAH2, in contrast to FAAH and NAAA, is not found in murids, but is found in human, and is also able to hydrolyse AEA and other N-acylamides, with a physical association with intracellular lipid droplets. The differential tissue and subcellular locations of these enzymes is presumed to regulate AEA (and other N-acylamides) in a differential manner.