Cannabinoidergic regulation of functional state of heart (part I)

It was found that cannabinoids in anesthetized animals cause prolonged hypotension and bradycardia, which are the result of the stimulation of the CB1 receptor. The endogenous cannabinoids are not involved in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure in intact animals. Studies carried out in patients with coronary heart disease have shown that marijuana can cause angina. It is established that cannabinoids induce prolonged hypotension and bradycardia, which may be preceded by transient tachycardia and hypertension associated with activation of the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor. Prolonged hypotension is a result of direct action of cannabinoids on the arteries.