Endocannabinoids and Reproduction
1DiSIST, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
2Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
3Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
4State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Endocannabinoids and Reproduction
Description
Endocannabinoids, endogenous lipid mediators that mimic the effects of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active constituent of the marijuana plant, are able to deeply modulate both male and female reproductive functions. Nowadays, the knowledge of basic, conserved aspects in the field of endocannabinoids and reproduction might contribute to the discovery of new potential target for the exploitation of drugs to treat infertility in humans. Thus, we invite investigators to contribute with original research and review papers in order to provide insights into the involvement of endocannabinoids in the multifaceted process of reproduction. We are particularly interested in endocannabinoid signaling in the endocrine/neuroendocrine control of reproduction; advances in endocannabinoid activity in male and female gonad and reproductive tract; interaction of endocannabinoid system and sex hormones; turmoil exerted by cannabinoids in reproduction; new insights in endocannabinoid system and epigenetic modifications; and evidence for the potential use of endocannabinoid system components as target/drugs in the treatment of infertility in humans. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Endocrine and neuroendocrine control of reproductive axis
- Sexual behaviour
- Endocannabinoid signaling in reproduction
- Role of endocannabinoid system in germ cell maturation, fertilization, implantation, and embryo development
- Epigenetics in reproduction
- Clinical aspects in male/female reproduction
- New modulators of endocannabinoid activity in reproduction
- New targets for therapeutic exploitation of drugs to treat infertility in humans
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