The central cannabinoid receptor inactivation suppresses endocrine reproductive functions

The function of central cannabinoid (CB1) receptor was investigated in the regulation of the pituitary-gonad axis in CB1 receptor knockout male mouse. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) levels and basal T secretion in vitro of testes were significantly decreased in mutant (CB1-/-) mice. The receptor agonist, anandamide (ANA), suppressed LH and T secretion in wild type (CB1+/+) mice but had no effect in receptor inactivated animals. The results are the first descriptions indicating the direct action of CB1 receptors on LH and T secretion and the immunohistological demonstration of CB1 receptors in the Leydig cells. The results also indicate that CB1 receptors are responsible for the effects of exogenous cannabinoids on reproductive functions.