Question

The major mechanism of action of anandamide appears to be: Group of answer choices presynaptic facilitation. postsynaptic facilitation. presynaptic inhibition. postsynaptic inhibition.

Answer 1

The major mechanism of action of anandamide is presynaptic inhibition, where it binds to cannabinoid receptors and inhibits neurotransmitter release.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major mechanism of action of anandamide appears to be presynaptic inhibition. Anandamide is a cannabinoid neurotransmitter that operates in the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which are primarily presynaptic. When anandamide binds to these receptors, it typically results in the inhibition of the release of other neurotransmitters, thereby regulating synaptic transmission. Since the cannabinoid receptors are usually located on presynaptic neurons, the action of anandamide is to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from those neurons, rather than facilitating activity at the postsynaptic neuron.

Answer 2

presynaptic inhibition

Step-by-step explanation:

Presynaptic inhibition is an inhibitory mechanism capable of modulating neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system (CNS), i.e., by suppressing the release of neurotransmitters from axon terminals. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that bind to receptors in other cells, thereby indirectly affecting the activity of other neurotransmitters. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter derived from arachidonic acid -an omega-6 fatty acid-, whose effects are mediated by cannabinoid receptors in the CNS. This major endocannabinoid (anandamide) is thought to inhibit the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).