Endocannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB(1); CB(2)) receptor agonists affect negatively cow luteal function in vitro

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Corpus luteum (CL) inadequacy is linked to early pregnancy loss.
• Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) causes luteolysis, while Prostaglandin E (PGE) is luteotropic.
• Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are implicated in infertility, but their effect on CL function is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro effects of eCB receptor agonists/antagonists and a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor on bovine CL function.
• To determine the impact of eCB modulation on progesterone, PGE, and PGF2α secretion by the CL.

Main Methods:

• Bovine luteal slices were cultured in vitro.
• Treatments included PGE1, PGF2α, CB1/CB2 receptor agonists, receptor antagonists, and a FAAH inhibitor.
• Hormone and prostaglandin levels in the culture medium were quantified.

Main Results:

• Progesterone secretion was increased by PGE1 but decreased by PGF2α, CB1/CB2 agonists, and FAAH inhibitor.
• Both PGE and PGF2α secretion were reduced by CB1/CB2 agonists and FAAH inhibitor.
• Time in culture did not significantly alter progesterone levels in vehicle-treated slices.

Conclusions:

• Endocannabinoid receptor agonists and FAAH inhibition impair bovine luteal function in vitro.
• The corpus luteum may be a site where endocannabinoids contribute to decreased fertility and implantation failure.