Ectopic Pregnancy Is Associated with High Anandamide Levels and Aberrant Expression of FAAH and CB1 in Fallopian Tubes

摘要

Context:Ectopic pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition remain unclear. Although the endocannabinoids, N -arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N -oleoylethanolamine, and N -palmitoylethanolamine, are thought to play a negative role in ectopic pregnancy, their precise role(s) within the fallopian tube remains unclear. Anandamide activates cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and, together with its degrading [ e.g . fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)] and synthesizing enzymes ( e.g. N -acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D), forms the endocannabinoid system. High anandamide levels are associated with tubal arrest of embryos in mice and may have a similar role in women.