Post by Admin on Nov 14, 2018 6:50:51 GMT
Direct and pituitary-mediated effects of Δ9-THC and cannabinol on the testis
Abstract
In mouse testes incubated with hCG, addition of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) resulted in a significant inhibition in the accumulation of testosterone (T) and progesterone. The concentrations of 17α-OH progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol were not changed. The inhibition of T production in this in vitro system by THC was dependent upon the presence of hCG in the medium, suggesting that THC may interfere with gonadotropin stimulation of testicular steroidogenesis. In contrast, suppression of T secretion by cannabinol (CBN) also occurred in the absence of hCG. In the in vivo studies, administration of a single oral dose of THC to adult male mice resulted in a reduction in plasma T, LH and FSH levels, as well as an increase in the concentration of esterified cholesterol in the testis. In contrast, a single dose of CBN produced no significant changes in either plasma T or gonadotropin levels. Treatment with THC, but not with CBN, resulted in a pronounced reduction in the level of copulatory activity in adult male mice. It appears that the THC-induced reduction in plasma T levels observed in vivo is due to an inhibition of pituitary LH release, and to a direct effect on the testicular responsiveness to LH stimulation. The reduction in copulatory behavior observed after acute exposure to THC may be secondary to a reduction in peripheral T concentration.
Source www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0091305778902654
Abstract
In mouse testes incubated with hCG, addition of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) resulted in a significant inhibition in the accumulation of testosterone (T) and progesterone. The concentrations of 17α-OH progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol were not changed. The inhibition of T production in this in vitro system by THC was dependent upon the presence of hCG in the medium, suggesting that THC may interfere with gonadotropin stimulation of testicular steroidogenesis. In contrast, suppression of T secretion by cannabinol (CBN) also occurred in the absence of hCG. In the in vivo studies, administration of a single oral dose of THC to adult male mice resulted in a reduction in plasma T, LH and FSH levels, as well as an increase in the concentration of esterified cholesterol in the testis. In contrast, a single dose of CBN produced no significant changes in either plasma T or gonadotropin levels. Treatment with THC, but not with CBN, resulted in a pronounced reduction in the level of copulatory activity in adult male mice. It appears that the THC-induced reduction in plasma T levels observed in vivo is due to an inhibition of pituitary LH release, and to a direct effect on the testicular responsiveness to LH stimulation. The reduction in copulatory behavior observed after acute exposure to THC may be secondary to a reduction in peripheral T concentration.
Source www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0091305778902654