Δ(9) -Tetrahydrocannabinol and N-arachidonyl glycine are full agonists at GPR18 receptors and induce migration in human endometrial HEC-1B cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium forms growths outside the uterus and is associated with chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that endometrial motility plays a role in the aetiology of endometriosis. The endocannabinoid system regulates cellular migration. Given the growing involvement of the endocannabinoids in reproduction, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in migration of endometrial cells.

Experimental approach

Migration of the human endometrial HEC-1B cells was assayed. Standard PCR techniques were used to determine the presence of the GPCR, GPR18, in HEC-1B cells, and p44/42 MAPK was assayed in stably transfected HEK293-GPR18 cells to determine receptor specificity for known cannabinoid agonists and anta

SUBMITTER: McHugh D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3423258 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature