Marijuana-derived cannabinoids inhibit uterine endometrial stromal cell decidualization and compromise trophoblast-endometrium cross-talk

Reprod Toxicol. 2019 Aug:87:100-107. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.05.064. Epub 2019 May 30.

Abstract

Marijuana (cannabis) use by pregnant women in the United States is increasing and there is a dire need to understand the beneficial or harmful effects of cannabis during pregnancy. Uterine endometrial stromal cells are fibroblast-like cells that differentiate into secretory cells, a process called decidualization, to create a microenvironment conducive for placenta formation and early embryonic growth. In this study, using model human cell lines, we for the first time demonstrate that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) inhibit endometrial stromal cell decidualization and have adverse effects on trophoblast-endometrium cross-talk.

Keywords: CBD; Cannabinoids; Decidua; Decidualization; Embryo; Endometrial stromal cells; Fertility; Marijuana; Medicine; Reproduction; THC; Trophoblast-endometrium cross-talk models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids / toxicity*
  • Cannabis
  • Cell Line
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / genetics
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / genetics
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Stromal Cells / drug effects*
  • Trophoblasts / drug effects*

Substances

  • CNR1 protein, human
  • CNR2 protein, human
  • Cannabinoids
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2