Endocannabinoids and Kisspeptins: Two Modulators in Fight for the Regulation of GnRH Activity

Meccariello, Rosaria; Chianese, Rosanna; Fasano, Silvia; Pierantoni, Riccardo

doi:10.5772/48443

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 183 publications

(185 reference statements)

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“…It is worth mentioning that the influence of exogenous and endogenous CBs on the gonadotropins secretion may partially result from the action of these compounds at the level of hypothalamus. It was shown that cannabinoids inhibit GnRH release [36] and GnRH transcription [11,38]. An ambiguous effect of AEA on both gonadotropins and GnRH secretion may be connected with the daily fluctuations of CBs receptor expression.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Endocannabinoids are synthesized and released in response to increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentration [10]. Generally, ECBs are defined as the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors, which could be esters and ethers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid or amides occurring, among others, in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral tissues, even in reproductive fluids [11]. The main ECBs are the N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) [12].…”

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confidence: 99%

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The Influence of Anandamide on the Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion in Ewes—Ex Vivo Study

Tomaszewska-Zaremba

Wojtulewicz

Paczesna

et al. 2020

Animals

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Cannabinoids (CBs) are involved in the neuroendocrine control of reproductive processes by affecting GnRH and gonadotropins secretion. The presence of cannabinoid receptors (CBR) in the pituitary raises a presumption that anandamide (AEA), the endogenous cannabinoid, may act on gonadotrophic hormones secretion directly at the level of the anterior pituitary (AP). Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the influence of AEA on gonadotropins secretions from AP explants taken from anestrous ewes. It was demonstrated that AEA inhibited GnRH stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from the AP explants. Anandamide influences both LH and FSH gene expressions as well as their release. AEA also affected gonadoliberin receptor (GnRHR) synthesis and expression. The presence of CB1R transcript in AP explants were also demonstrated. It could be suggested that some known negative effects of cannabinoids on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity may be caused by the direct action of these compounds at the pituitary level.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

The Influence of Anandamide on the Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion in Ewes—Ex Vivo Study

Tomaszewska-Zaremba

Wojtulewicz

Paczesna

et al. 2020

Animals

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“…However, this contradicts with a study done in the US [19] on chronic marijuana users with no significant difference in testosterone level. The decrease in testosterone could be attributed to inhibition of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone in the hypothalamus by 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [20]. These contradictory findings may be due to the difference in socio-demographic factors, the chronic use of marijuana, genetic differences, and the difference in the test method used.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gonadal and Cortisol Hormone Profile among Male Chronic Khat, Marijuana, and Heroin Abuses

Yibrah

Negesso

Gebregziabher

et al. 2019

International Journal of Endocrinology

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Background Drugs of abuse could interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing impaired functions of the gland and associated functions of target organs. Drugs of abuse tend to cause changes in the endocrine system, and these changes could be physiological, molecular, biochemical, genetic, and cellular. Method A case-control study design was conducted from a total of 171 male consented study participants (148 drug abusers and 23 controls). The serum gonadal and cortisol hormone levels were assayed using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Socio-demographic variables were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire by the interview method. Nonparametric statistical tools (Mann–Whitney test and median) were used to compare the groups. In all cases, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The median age for drug abusers and control groups was 27, and the age difference between drug abusers and control group was not statistically important. The median estradiol levels among chronic khat chewers (39.4 pg/ml), marijuana (44 pg/mL), and users of heroin (40.2 pg/mL) were significantly higher than control groups (23 pg/mL), P < 0.003. However, the median luteinizing hormone levels among chronic khat chewers (5 IU/L), marijuana users (5 IU/L), and heroin users (5.6 IU/L) were significantly lower than those of control groups (6.2 IU/L), P < 0.02. The median testosterone levels among chronic khat chewers (6.1 ng/mL), marijuana users (6.3 ng/mL), and heroin users (6.6 ng/mL) were significantly lower than control groups (8.0 ng/mL), P < 0.003. However, cortisol and follicle stimulating hormone did not show statistically significant difference between users of khat, marijuana, and heroin compared with the control group. Conclusion The drug abuser group had significantly lower testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels compared with control groups. Drug abuse has been shown to affect gonadal hormones in an unusual physiological phenomenon. These findings reveal the need for intervention programs to solve these problems.

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“…Thus, in addition to E2-dependent modulation of endocannabinoid tone via FAAH modulation [42], the investigations concerning the possible crosstalk between kiss/GnRH/cannabinergic neurons [92] might open new insights in the molecular mechanisms of gonadal steroid feedback.…”

Section: Ecbs Hypothalamic Gnrh and Steroidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Updates in Reproduction Coming from the Endocannabinoid System

Meccariello

Battista

Bradshaw

et al. 2014

International Journal of Endocrinology

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an evolutionarily conserved master system deeply involved in the central and local control of reproductive functions in both sexes. The tone of these lipid mediators—deeply modulated by the activity of biosynthetic and hydrolyzing machineries—regulates reproductive functions from gonadotropin discharge and steroid biosynthesis to the formation of high quality gametes and successful pregnancy. This review provides an overview on ECS and reproduction and focuses on the insights in the regulation of endocannabinoid production by steroids, in the regulation of male reproductive activity, and in placentation and parturition. Taken all together, evidences emerge that the activity of the ECS is crucial for procreation and may represent a target for the therapeutic exploitation of infertility.

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Endocannabinoids and Kisspeptins: Two Modulators in Fight for the Regulation of GnRH Activity

Cited by 8 publications

References 183 publications

The Influence of Anandamide on the Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion in Ewes—Ex Vivo Study

The Influence of Anandamide on the Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion in Ewes—Ex Vivo Study

Gonadal and Cortisol Hormone Profile among Male Chronic Khat, Marijuana, and Heroin Abuses

Updates in Reproduction Coming from the Endocannabinoid System

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