Understanding the mechanisms of human tubal ectopic pregnancies: new evidence from knockout mouse models

Hum Reprod. 2010 Mar;25(3):584-7. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dep438. Epub 2009 Dec 19.

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy, a worldwide health problem, is potentially life-threatening and occurs in approximately 1.5-2% of all pregnancies in the western world; however, the precise mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of tubal ectopic pregnancy are unknown. Tubal abnormalities and dysfunction, such as altered contractility or abnormal ciliary activity, have been speculated to lead to tubal ectopic pregnancy. To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the tubal transport process, several knockout (KO) mouse models have been developed. This review summarizes what has been learned from studies of the Fallopian tube in caspase-1, cannabinoid receptor and Dicer1 KO mice. Our understanding of the mechanisms which contribute to tubal ectopic pregnancy in humans may be enhanced through further study of these KO mouse models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / physiology
  • Caspase 1 / deficiency
  • Caspase 1 / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Estradiol / physiology
  • Fallopian Tubes / physiology*
  • Fallopian Tubes / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / etiology*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / deficiency
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / genetics
  • Ribonuclease III / deficiency
  • Ribonuclease III / genetics

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Estradiol
  • Ribonuclease III
  • Caspase 1