Anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanolamide; AEA) is an endogenous lipid with cannabinergic activity; along with 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, it forms part of the endocannabinoid system. AEA undergoes reuptake into neurons by a facilitated process. Controversy exists as to whether there is a specific AEA transporter, or instead the uptake process is simply driven by hydrolysis of AEA by intracellular fatty acyl amide hydrolase (FAAH). CAY10412 is an analog of AEA that has no intrinsic binding affinity for either CB1 or CB2 receptors. It is a potent inhibitor of AEA reuptake in U937 lymphoma cells, with an IC50 of 3 μM. CAY10412 could be a useful tool for distinguishing the competing transporter theories. The pharmacology of CAY10412 is largely unexplored; it may enhance endocannabinoid signalling by augmenting endocannabinoid concentrations.
