A physiological concentration of anandamide promotes the migration of human endometrial fibroblast and the interaction with endothelial cells invitro.

Introduction: The mechanisms that govern fibroblast behavior during the vascular adaptations of the uterus at early pregnancy remain unknown. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, binds to cannabinoid receptors (CBs), and regulates gestation and angiogenesis. Its tone is regulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) within the uterus.

Steroid hormones and first trimester vascular remodeling.

Successful implantation and placentation require neoangiogenesis and the remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. Progesterone and estradiol control various of the placental functions, but their role in vascular remodeling remains controversial. Therefore, this chapter aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of steroid hormones in the uteroplacental vascular remodeling during the first trimester of gestation.

Novel role for lysophosphatidic acid in vascular remodeling at the maternal-fetal interface.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) belongs to the group of phosphorylated lipids reported as crucial mediators in the physiology of reproduction. LPA binds to G-protein-coupled receptors and regulates a wide range of female reproductive functions. This bioactive lipid has also been implicated in vascular functions during physiological and pathological conditions.

Lysophosphatidic acid induces the crosstalk between the endovascular human trophoblast and endothelial cells in vitro.

Spiral artery remodeling at the maternal-fetal interface is crucial for successful pregnancy and requires the interaction between the first trimester trophoblast and the endothelial cells of the maternal vessels. However, the precise mechanism of this dialog has yet to be determined. The current study investigated whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) modulates trophoblast-endothelial crosstalk in vitro.

Steroid hormones induce in vitro human first trimester trophoblast tubulogenesis by the lysophosphatidic acid pathway.

Successful implantation and placentation requires that extravillous cytotrophoblast acquires an endovascular phenotype and remodels uterine spiral arteries. Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) control many of the placental functions, but their role in vascular remodeling remains controversial. Here, we investigated whether P4 and E2 regulate the acquisition of the human first trimester trophoblast endovascular phenotype, and the participation of the lysophosphatidic acid pathway.

Lysophosphatidic acid-triggered pathways promote the acquisition of trophoblast endovascular phenotype in vitro.

Successful implantation and placentation requires that extravillous cytotrophoblast acquires an endovascular phenotype and remodels uterine spiral arteries. Defects in this mechanism correlate with severe obstetric complications as implantation failure and preeclampsia. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) participates in embryo implantation and contributes to vascular physiology in different biological systems.