¹School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK

Correspondence: Dr MD Randall, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 2UH, UK. E-mail: michael.randall@nottingham.ac.uk

Received 1 June 2007; Revised 5 July 2007; Accepted 6 July 2007; Published online 20 August 2007.

Abstract

Endocannabinoids are blood borne and may also be secreted by the endothelium. Accordingly, there has been interest in the interactions between (endo)cannabinoids and blood cells. There is certainly evidence that (endo)cannabinoids may promote platelet activation, indicating that they may be thrombogenic. Platelets are involved both in the metabolism and release of endocannabinoids, and so it is possible that their circulating levels may be regulated by platelets. This process is altered in disease states such that platelet-derived endocannabinoids contribute towards hypotension in cardiovascular shock. Not only may endocannabinoids regulate platelet function and possibly lead to thrombogenesis, but they may also influence haematopoiesis. Given these emerging roles, the aim of this review is to examine the interactions between cannabinoids and blood.