Anandamide regulates oxytocin/oxytocin receptor system in human placenta at term

Placenta. 2020 Apr:93:23-25. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.02.012. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

Abstract

Oxytocin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of human parturition, however its role and modulation in the placenta is not fully understood. Non-labour cesarean section placentas were cultured with the endocannabinoid anandamide. We observed an increase in placental oxytocin receptor expression and oxytocin release. We postulate anandamide as a relevant modulator of oxytocin system in the placenta at term.

Keywords: Anandamide; Oxytocin; Oxytocin receptor; Placenta.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endocannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Oxytocin / genetics*
  • Oxytocin / metabolism
  • Parturition / physiology
  • Placenta / cytology
  • Placenta / drug effects*
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / pharmacology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / metabolism
  • Term Birth / genetics
  • Term Birth / metabolism

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Oxytocin
  • anandamide