Differential Expression of CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a in Labor

Background: The endocannabinoid system is present in multiple organ systems and is involved in smooth muscle regulation, immune function, neuroendocrine modulation, and metabolism of tissues. Limited data are available regarding the presence and role of this system in reproductive tissues. Components of the endocannabinoid system have been identified in myometrial and placental tissues. However, no study has investigated differential expression of the endocannabinoid system in labor.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify two components of the endocannabinoid system, the CB₁ cannabinoid receptor and cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) in uterine and placental tissues, and to determine if there is differential expression in tissues exposed to labor. We hypothesized that CB₁ cannabinoid receptor concentration would be altered in uterine and placental tissue exposed to labor compared with tissues not exposed to labor.

Study Design: Uterine and placental tissue samples were collected in nine laboring and 11 nonlaboring women undergoing cesarean delivery. CB₁ cannabinoid receptor and CRIP1a presence and quantification were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical comparisons of laboring and nonlaboring subjects were made for uterine and placental tissue using a Mann-Whitney test.

Results: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive staining for CB₁ cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a in uterine tissue. The protein abundance of CB₁ cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue was significantly lower in tissues exposed to labor (p=0.01). The protein abundance of CRIP1a was lower in uterine tissue exposed to labor but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.06). mRNA expression of CB₁ cannabinoid receptor (p=0.20) and CRIP1a (p=0.63) did not differ in labored compared with nonlabored uterine tissues.

Conclusions: Our findings of diminished protein density of CB₁ cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue exposed to labor support the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in parturition. Our data add to the growing body of evidence indicating the endocannabinoid system is of importance for successful reproduction and support the need for additional research investigating this complex system as it pertains to labor. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03752021.