The expression of the endocannabinoid system at the Implantation Zone
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The expression of the endocannabinoid system at the Implantation Zone
IRAS ID
157873
Contact name
Sarah Melford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring substances in the body that act through the same pathways that the active ingredients found in cannabis do. Studies have shown that these substances are vital for pregnancy to succeed. Low levels are required for successful pregnancy but much higher levels are associated with miscarriages. The precise way in which these substances influence human reproduction is not known and this is because very little research has been undertaken in women. The main reason for this has been the inability of researchers to accurately measure these substances in blood and tissues. We very recently developed a means of measuring these substances and successfully used the method in a small group of pregnant women and non-pregnant women. Our results were very encouraging and support our belief that these substances play a part in successful pregnancies.
Despite our results there are several unanswered questions about the exact role of these substances in reproduction. In this study, we are looking at the role endocannabinoids play at the “Implantation Zone”; a specific point in the lining of the womb (the endometrium) that has the properties needed for embryo to implant successfully. Research in animals has already shown the endometrium expresses different levels of components of the endocannabinoid systems at the implantation zone when compared with the rest of the endometrium. What we want to investigate if the same thing happens in humans.
We believe that by learning more about the role the endocannabinoid system plays in embryo implantation we will be able to help improve the outcome of pregnancies especially in women who undergo repeated miscarriages. However, before we can investigate the “abnormal”, it is important we establish the “normal” role of endocannabinoids.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1233
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion