The endocannabinoid anandamide affects the synthesis of human syncytiotrophoblast-related proteins

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Costa, MA (Author) Other; Fonseca, BM (Author) Other; Mendes, A (Author) Other; Braga, J (Author) Other; Teixeira, NA (Author) FFUP; Georgina Correia da Silva (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Cell and Tissue Research

Vol. 362

Pages: 441-446

ISSN: 0302-766X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-E5N

DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2236-2

Abstract (EN): The human syncytiotrophoblast (hST) has a major role in the production of important placental hormones. Several molecules regulate hST endocrine function but the role of endocannabinoids in this process is still unknown. Here, we report that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) decreased cAMP levels, impaired human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, placental alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased aromatase mRNA levels and protein expression, through cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation. AEA also downregulated leptin and placental protein 13 transcription, though via a CB receptor-independent mechanism. All this evidence suggests AEA is a novel modulator of hormone synthesis by the syncytiotrophoblast, supporting the importance of the endocannabinoid signalling in placental function.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6