Cannabinoids and Reproduction: A Lasting and Intriguing History

• Main Authors: Gilda Cobellis, Silvia Fasano, Riccardo Pierantoni, Vincenza Ciaramella, Teresa Chioccarelli, Giovanna Cacciola, Rosanna Chianese, Rosaria Meccariello
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-10-01
• Series: Pharmaceuticals
• Subjects: cannabinergic system, male reproduction, female reproduction, hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis.
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/3/10/3275/

Starting from an historical overview of lasting Cannabis use over the centuries, we will focus on a description of the cannabinergic system, with a comprehensive analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties of endogenous and synthetic cannabimimetic analogues. The metabolic pathways and the signal transduction mechanisms, activated by cannabinoid receptors stimulation, will also be discussed. In particular, we will point out the action of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on the different neuronal networks involved in reproductive axis, and locally, on male and female reproductive tracts, by emphasizing the pivotal role played by this system in the control of fertility.