Cannabinoid Signalling in Immune-Reproductive Crosstalk during Human Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Human physiology

Background:

• The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, yet remains under-investigated.
• ECS signaling influences immune responses and female reproductive functions, including pregnancy.
• Cannabinoid receptors are present in reproductive tissues, suggesting a role in immune-reproductive interactions essential for successful gestation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the interaction between endocannabinoid signaling in uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and placental extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs).
• To investigate these interactions in both healthy and complicated pregnancies.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS in pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on endocannabinoid signaling in reproductive immunology.
• Analysis of the role of ECS components in uNK cells and EVTs.
• Examination of the impact of cannabis constituents (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) on pregnancy physiology.

Main Results:

• Cannabis use can disrupt endocannabinoid homeostasis during pregnancy.
• Impairment of decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and angiogenesis may occur.
• These disruptions are linked to clinical complications such as miscarriage and preeclampsia.

Conclusions:

• The ECS is critical for regulating immune-reproductive crosstalk during pregnancy.
• Perturbation of the ECS by cannabis use poses risks to pregnancy outcomes.
• Targeting the ECS presents a potential therapeutic avenue for managing pregnancy complications, including the use of synthetic cannabinoids.