Effect of tetrahydrocannabinol on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey

C G Smith; N F Besch; R G Smith; P K Besch

doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)43885-9

Effect of tetrahydrocannabinol on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey

Fertil Steril. 1979 Mar;31(3):335-9. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)43885-9.

Authors

C G Smith, N F Besch, R G Smith, P K Besch

PMID: 108139
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)43885-9

Abstract

Single doses of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (5.0, 2.5, 1.25, or 0.625 mg/kg) can decrease the levels of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey. The inhibition of gonadotropins (50% to 88%) lasts for 6 to 24 hours depending upon the dose of THC. There are no great differences in the responses of the two gonadotropins to THC. The inhibition of gonadotropin levels by THC appears to be at the level of the hypothalamus, since both LH and FSH are released from the pituitary gland in response to LH- releasing factor in the presence of THC.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Castration
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Dronabinol / administration & dosage
Dronabinol / pharmacology*
Female
Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / pharmacology
Haplorhini
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects*
Luteinizing Hormone / blood
Macaca mulatta*
Macaca*
Time Factors

Substances

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Dronabinol
Luteinizing Hormone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone