CB1 cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development via PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways [Research]

Endocannabinoids have been recognized as mediators of practically all reproductive events in mammals. However, little is known about the role of this system in oocyte maturation. In a mouse model, we observed that activation of the cannabinoid receptor (CB)₁ during in vitro oocyte maturation modulated the phosphorylation status of Akt and ERK1/2 and enhanced the subsequent embryo production. In the absence of the CB₁ receptor, in vivo oocyte maturation was impaired and embryo development delayed. The CB₂ receptor was unable to rescue these effects. Finally, we confirmed abnormal oocyte maturation rather than impaired embryonic transport through the oviduct in CB₁ knockouts. Our data suggest that cannabinoid agonists may be useful in vitro maturation supplements. For in vitro fertilization patients intolerant to gonadotropins, this could be a promising and only option.—López-Cardona, A. P., Pérez-Cerezales, S., Fernández-González, R., Laguna-Barraza, R., Pericuesta, E., Agirregoitia, N., Gutiérrez-Adán, A., Agirregoitia, E. CB₁ cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development via PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.

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