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?9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (?9-THC) attenuates mouse sperm motility and male fecundity.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Numerous studies have shown that N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) can inhibit sperm motility and function but the ability of cannabinoids to inhibit sperm motility is not well understood. We investigated the effects of WIN 55,212-2, a CB(1) cannabinoid receptor agonist, and ?(9) -tetrahydracannabinol (?(9) -THC) on the ATP levels and motility of murine sperm in vitro. In addition, the effects of acute administration of ?(9) -THC on male fecundity were determined.

Experimental approach

Effects of ?(9) -THC on basal sperm kinematics were determined using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Stop-motion imaging was performed to measure sperm beat frequency. The effect of ?(9) -THC on sperm ATP was determined using a luciferase assay. Male fertility was determined by evaluating the size of litters sired by ?(9) -THC-treated males. KEY RESULTS Pretreatment of sperm for 15 min with 1 µM ?(9) -THC reduced their basal motility and attenuated the ability of bicarbonate to stimulate flagellar beat frequency. Treatment with 5 µM WIN 55,212-2 or 10 µM ?(9) -THC for 30 min reduced sperm ATP levels. In sperm lacking CB(1) receptors this inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 on ATP was attenuated whereas that of ?(9) -THC persisted. Administration of 50 mg·kg(-1) ?(9) -THC to male mice just before mating caused a 20% decrease in embryonic litter size.

Conclusions and implications

?(9) -THC inhibits both basal and bicarbonate-stimulated sperm motility in vitro and reduces male fertility in vivo. High concentrations of WIN 55,212-2 or ?(9) -THC inhibit ATP production in sperm; this effect of WIN 55,212-2 is CB(1) receptor-dependent whereas that of ?(9) -THC is not. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.

SUBMITTER: Morgan DJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3423255 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) attenuates mouse sperm motility and male fecundity.

Morgan Daniel J DJ Muller Charles H CH Murataeva Natalia A NA Davis Brian J BJ Mackie Ken K

British journal of pharmacology 20120401 8

<h4>Background and purpose</h4>Numerous studies have shown that N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) can inhibit sperm motility and function but the ability of cannabinoids to inhibit sperm motility is not well understood. We investigated the effects of WIN 55,212-2, a CB(1) cannabinoid receptor agonist, and Δ(9) -tetrahydracannabinol (Δ(9) -THC) on the ATP levels and motility of murine sperm in vitro. In addition, the effects of acute administration of Δ(9) -THC on male fecundity were determined.<h ...[more]

PMID: 21615727

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