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Characterization of the Endocannabinoid System in Early Human Pregnancy

Department of Anatomy with Radiology (R.J.A.H.), Liggins Institute (M.D.M.), Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology (K.B.-P., M.D.M., M.G.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (L.W.C., M.D.M.), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; and Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington (J.W., C.S.K.), Seattle, Washington 98195

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Michelle Glass, Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. E-mail: m.glass{at}auckland.ac.nz.

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that high circulating levels of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, resulting from low expression of its metabolizing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), may contribute to spontaneous miscarriage and poor outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. The site of action of this compound, however, has not been determined. In this study, we examined the distribution of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and the endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzyme FAAH in first trimester human placenta. Here, we show that FAAH is expressed throughout the human first trimester placenta, in extravillous trophoblast columns, villous cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and macrophages. Furthermore, FAAH mRNA levels appear to be regulated during gestation, with levels peaking at 11 wk before declining again. The immune system-associated cannabinoid CB2 receptors were localized only to placental macrophages. Interestingly, the cannabinoid receptor CB1 was not identified in first trimester placenta despite having previously been shown to be present in placental tissues at term. These findings suggest that the placenta may form a barrier preventing maternal-fetal transfer of anandamide and/or modulate local levels of anandamide by regulation of FAAH expression with gestation.

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