Cannabinoid receptors and their role in the regulation of the serotonin transporter in human placenta

N-Acylethanolamines in human reproductive fluids

“…Localized differences in AEA levels within the uterus determine implantation sites, while exogenous cannabinoid agonists such as THC and CP-55,940 inhibit embryonic development and implantation. In situ hybridization studies showed that mRNAs for CB1 and CB2 are expressed in the placental cone and smooth muscle of the uterus in rats, rodent embryo and fetus, and term human placenta, as well as in human BeWo choricocarcinoma cells (Buckley et al, 1998;Kenney et al, 1999). Together, these observations implied that human amniotic fluid might contain endocannabinoids.…”

“…The placenta of rhesus monkeys chronically exposed to THC during pregnancy shows gross morphological abnormalities and vascular infarctions (Sassenrath et al, 1979). Cannabinoid agonists such as THC and WIN55,212-2 inhibit uptake of amino acids (valine and alpha-amino isobutyric acid) by slices of term human placenta, and inhibit the serotonin transporter in human BeWo choricocarcinoma cells (Fisher et al, 1987;Kenney et al, 1999). These observations indicate that the human placenta is a Observed differences in NAE concentrations are not significant: P /0.2 to /0.9; N0/9; values are given in nM.…”

“…leptin, dopamine, serotonin acetylcholine, etc. (Chaperon and Thiebot, 1999;Kenney et al, 1999;Lambert and Di Marzo, 1999;Di Marzo et al, 2001a). Endocannabinoid-signaling has a critical role in nursing .…”

“…), and are widely distributed in neural and non-neural cells of the body (Berdyshev, 2000;Chaperon and Thiebot, 1999;Devane et al, 1988;Gerard et al, 1991;Munro et al, 1993;Galiegue et al, 1995;Deutsch et al, 1997;Glass and Felder, 1997;Matsuda, 1997;Kenney et al, 1999;Di Marzo et al, 1998;Lambert and Di Marzo, 1999;Paria and Dey, 2000;Hillard, 2000;Schmid, 2000;Schuel et al, 1999). With respect to reproductive organs, cannabinoid receptors and/or endocannabinoids have been detected in the pituitary gland, testis, Leydig cells, epididymis, prostate, sperm cells, ovary, uterus, oviduct, preimplantation embryo, placenta, embryo, fetus and neonates, as well as in prostatic and mammary carcinomas (Gerard et al, 1991;Galiegue et al, 1995;Hansen et al, 2000;Koga et al, 1997;Buckley et al, 1998;Kenney et al, 1999;De Petrocellis et al, 2000;Sugiura and Waku, 2000;Pagotto et al, 2001;Wenger et al, 2001;Habayeb et al, 2002;Schuel et al, 2002). These factors may account, in part, for the effects of marijuana and THC on secretion of gonadotrophic hormones and gonadal steroids, sperm production, ovulation, mating behavior, sperm capacitation, fertilization, early embryonic development; implantation of blastocysts into the uterine endometrium, placental functions, fetal growth, number of pregnancies carried to term, postnatal development, tumor growth, etc.…”

Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals

“…CB2Rs are mostly expressed in immune cells, spleen and the gastrointestinal system, and to some extent in the brain and peripheral nervous system [Izzo, 2004;Pertwee, 2006]. Interestingly, both CB1 and CB2Rs are also found in human placenta and have been shown to play a role in regulating serotonin transporter activity [Kenney et al 1999]. Indeed further research has revealed that the endocannabinoid system also plays a significant role in various aspects of human reproduction [Taylor et al 2010].…”