Tuesday, October 7, 2008

MARIJUANA AND REPRODUCTION - EFFECTS ON PUBERTY AND PREGNANCY IN FEMALE RATS - EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

MARIJUANA AND REPRODUCTION - EFFECTS ON PUBERTY AND PREGNANCY IN FEMALE RATS - EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Source: ANNALES D ENDOCRINOLOGIE Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Pages: 37-43 Published: 1992

Abstract: The main psychoactive component of marihuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiol (THC), was investigated at low doses (1-mu-g/kg/day) on the onset of puberty, on the reproductive functions in female rats up to the seventy fifth to eightieth day of life as well as during the pregnancy.
The administration of THC caused a delay of the onset of puberty, and the number of ova on the day of first estrus was significantly lower in treated animals.

After puberty, alterations occured in the neuroendocrine functions of animals received THC: estrous cycles were irregular, serum LH level was decreased.

When THC was injected during the third week of pregnancy it caused a significant prolongation of the gestation period. There was 30 % stillbirths (v.s. 3 % in physiological saline treated rats). No teratological effects were observed. Serum LH, progesterone and prostaglandin contents were decreased.

The results indicate that marihuana causes alterations in reproductive functions. The importance of fight against drug abuse is emphasized.

Document Type: Article
Language: French
KeyWords Plus: DELTA-9 TETRAHYDRO-CANNABINOL; ADULT MALE-RATS; LUTEINIZING-HORMONE; SERUM LH; DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL; ENDOCRINE; EXPOSURE; ALCOHOL; FSH
Reprint Address: WENGER, T (reprint author), FAC MED BUDAPEST, ANAT LAB 2, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Addresses:
1. FAC MED LILLE, HISTOL EMBRYOL & BIOL REPROD LAB, F-59045 LILLE, FRANCE
2. UNIV BORDEAUX 1, NEUROCYTOCHIM FONCTIONNELLE LAB, F-33405 TALENCE, FRANCE
3. INSERM, U156, F-59045 LILLE, FRANCE
Publisher: MASSON EDITEUR, 120 BLVD SAINT-GERMAIN, 75280 PARIS 06, FRANCE
Subject Category: Endocrinology & Metabolism
IDS Number: JA805
ISSN: 0003-4266

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