Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: Its Effect on Hypothalamo-Pituitary System in Male Rats

Abstract

Subcutaneous administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) in adult male rats caused a decrease in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels with unchanged serum prolactin, pituitary LH and pituitary prolactin content. Response of pituitary to in vitro gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) remained unaltered while the response to in vivo GnRH treatment was markedly increased with the drug indicating the pituitary to be functionally normal. Differences in the in vitro and in vivo response could be due to the endogenous steroid levels. The hypothalamic LH-RH content concommitantly increased. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may inhibit the release of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH).

Key Words:

• Δ⁹-THC
• LH
• Prolactin