TREK-1 is a postassium channel that is constitutively leaky, thereby maintaining resting membrane potential. Mechanical membrane stretching and certain anaesthetics can open the channel, thus greatly reducing neuronal excitability. TREK-1 is not a classic cannabinoid receptor but its activity is modulated by cannabinoids. Since cannabinoids have a physiological effect on TREK-1 it is effectively a cannabinoid receptor.
http://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/ObjectDisplayForward?objectId=514
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KCNK2
Anandamide
References:
Pertwee, R.G., Howlett, A.C., Abood, M.E., Alexander, S.P.H., Di Marzo, V., Elphick, M.R., Greasley, P.J., Hansen, H.S., Kunos, G., Mackie, K., et al. (2010). International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXIX. cannabinoid receptors and their ligands: beyond CB₁ and CB₂. Pharmacol. Rev. 62, 588–631.
TREK-1 channels are found in a variety of tissues, but are particularly abundant in the brain and heart and are seen in various types of neurons.
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