Updates in Reproduction Coming from the Endocannabinoid System

Overview

Journal Int J Endocrinol

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2014 Feb 20

PMID 24550985

Citations 37

Authors

Rosaria Meccariello

Natalia Battista

Heather B Bradshaw

Haibin Wang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an evolutionarily conserved master system deeply involved in the central and local control of reproductive functions in both sexes. The tone of these lipid mediators-deeply modulated by the activity of biosynthetic and hydrolyzing machineries-regulates reproductive functions from gonadotropin discharge and steroid biosynthesis to the formation of high quality gametes and successful pregnancy. This review provides an overview on ECS and reproduction and focuses on the insights in the regulation of endocannabinoid production by steroids, in the regulation of male reproductive activity, and in placentation and parturition. Taken all together, evidences emerge that the activity of the ECS is crucial for procreation and may represent a target for the therapeutic exploitation of infertility.

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