title: Endocannabinoid signaling in mammalian ovary.
abstract: The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mammalian reproduction is a rather active field of research, due to its potential exploitation to combat human infertility. Available data shows that the aberrant endocannabinoid signaling negatively affects embryo development, implantation and pregnancy. Although many efforts have been devoted to a better understanding of the ECS in these steps of female reproduction, very little is known about its role in regulating ovarian follicle development and production of mature oocytes. This is the subject of the present review where we discuss current knowledge about the impact and potential exploitation of the ECS and endocannabinoid signaling in mammalian ovary and folliculogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. Electronic address: sandra.cecconi@univaq.it.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cecconi
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castellucci
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: D'Andrea
authors.affiliation: Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: m.maccarrone@unicampus.it.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maccarrone
mesh_terms: D000581:Amidohydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000254:growth & development; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases
chemical_list: D000581:Amidohydrolases; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases
keywords: Endocannabinoid; Ovary; Reproduction