Enzymatic changes in the male reproductive organs by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Biochem Pharmacol. 1982 Feb 1;31(3):415-8. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(82)90191-5.

Abstract

Like most psychoactive agents, cannabis and its active component delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) have been reported to affect the neuroendocrine axis in animals. The effect of delta 9-THC on some of the functionally important enzymes of the male reproductive organs are reported. The study indicates that delta 9-THC reduces the activities of the enzymes, beta-glucuronidase, alpha-glucosidase acid phosphatase and fructose-6-phosphatase in a dose related manner in the testis, prostate as well as in the epididymis. It may be concluded that delta 9-THC may interfere with the normal functioning of the male reproductive organs.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acid Phosphatase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Animals
  • Dronabinol / toxicity*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors*
  • Epididymis / drug effects
  • Epididymis / enzymology
  • Glucuronidase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Male
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Prostate / drug effects*
  • Prostate / enzymology
  • Rats
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / enzymology

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Dronabinol
  • fructose-6-phosphatase
  • Acid Phosphatase
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • Glucuronidase