The role of endocannabinoids in pregnancy

Endocannabinoids are a family of lipid signalling molecules. As with prostaglandins (PGs), endocannabinoids are derived from poly-unsaturated fatty acids and affect cell function via receptor-mediated mechanisms. They also bind prostaglandin receptors although at a lower affinity. The endocannabinoid network is regulated in pregnancy from embryo development to labour onset. Even small changes in endocannabinoid exposure can retard embryo development and affect implantation success. There is now compelling evidence that aberrant expression of the endocannabinoid pathway in the placenta and circulating lymphocytes results in spontaneous miscarriage and poor pregnancy outcomes. It is likely that competition between endocannabinoids, prostaglandins and other similar lipids ultimately determines how phospolipid/fatty acid substrates are metabolised and, thus, the balance between the synthesis of uterotonic and tocolytic activities. We, therefore, hypothesise that endocannabinoid profiles may be used as a biomarker to predict and/or identify spontaneous labour onset.