title: Cannabinoid/Endocannabinoid signaling impact on early pregnancy events.
abstract: It has been known for decades that marijuana and its major psychoactive component Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alter both male and female reproductive functions in humans and laboratory animals. The discovery of cannabinoid-like molecules (endocannabinoids), anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2AG), as well as G-protein-coupled cannabinoid/endocannabinoid receptors CB₁ and CB₂, created an opportunity to study the adverse and beneficial effects of cannabinoids/endocannabinoids on fertility using molecular, physiological and genetic approaches. In fact, studies to explore the significance of cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling in reproduction have revealed some intriguing physiological roles in early pregnant events. This review summarizes some aspects of these signaling molecules in preimplantation and implantation biology utilizing genetically engineered mouse models.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
authors.forename: Xiaofei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Sudhansu K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005260:Female; D005989:Glycerides / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005989:Glycerides; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; C094503:glyceryl 2-arachidonate