Endocannabinoids and endovanilloids: a possible balance in the regulation of the testicular GnRH signalling.
Reproductive functions are regulated both at central (brain) and gonadal levels. In this respect, the endocannabinoid system (eCS) has a very influential role. Interestingly, the characterization of eCS has taken many advantages from the usage of animal models different from mammals. Therefore, this review is oriented to summarize the main pieces of evidence regarding eCS coming from the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta, with particular interest to the morphofunctional relationship between eCS and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Furthermore, a novel role for endovanilloids in the regulation of a testicular GnRH system will be also discussed.
Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi," Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
Rosanna
R
Chianese
Vincenza
V
Ciaramella
Donatella
D
Scarpa
Silvia
S
Fasano
Riccardo
R
Pierantoni
Rosaria
R
Meccariello