Endocannabinoids and pregnancy.
Clin Chim Acta
; 411(13-14): 921-30, 2010 Jul 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20302856
ABSTRACT
Acylethanolamides such as anandamide (AEA), and monoacylglycerols like 2-arachidonoylglycerol are endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid, vanilloid and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. These compounds, their various receptors, the purported membrane transporter(s), and related enzymes that synthesize and degrade them are collectively referred to as the "endocannabinoid system (ECS)". Poorly defined cellular and molecular mechanisms control the biological actions of the ECS. Over the last decade evidence has been emerging to suggest that the ECS plays a significant role in various aspects of human reproduction. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of this role especially the involvement of AEA and related ECS elements in regulating oogenesis, embryo oviductal transport, blastocyst implantation, placental development and pregnancy outcomes, and sperm survival, motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Additionally, the possibility that plasma and tissue AEA and other cannabinoids may represent reliable diagnostic markers of natural and assisted reproduction and pregnancy outcomes in women will be discussed.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Embarazo
/
Endocannabinoides
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Moduladores de Receptores de Cannabinoides
Límite:
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Chim Acta
Año:
2010
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido