Differential expression of endocannabinoid system in normal and preeclamptic placentas: effects on nitric oxide synthesis.

ABÁN, C; LEGUIZAMÓN GF; CELLA M; DAMIANO A; FRANCHI AM; FARINA MG.

Santiago

Workshop; IPW 2012 Vascular Dysfunction Mechanisms - International Postgraduate Workshop; 2012

Pontificia Universidad Católoca de Chile

Endocannabinoids (EC) are a group of bioactive lipids that modulates diverse physiological processes by binding to cannabinoid receptors (CBs). Anandamide (AEA) is a most important EC synthesized by different pathway and degraded by a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Our aim was to investigate the endocannabinoid system in normal and preeclamptic placentas, and analyzed the potential functional role of AEA in the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Methods: Placentas were obtained from normal (NP, n=14) and women with preeclampsia (PE, n=14) defined as high blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg after 20 week gestation) and proteinuria (≥ 300mg/24h), after cesarean sections. Endocannabinoid system were analyzed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: NAPE-PLD protein levels was shown to be significantly higher (p