CB cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.

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 cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB) during oocyte maturation modulated the phosphorylation status of Akt and ERK1/2 and enhanced the subsequent embryo production. In the absence of CB, oocyte maturation was impaired and embryo development delayed. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB) was unable to rescue these effects. Finally, we confirmed abnormal oocyte maturation rather than impaired embryonic transport through the oviduct in CB knockouts. Our data suggest that cannabinoid agonists may be useful maturation supplements. For 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. CB cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.