Interactive effects of chronic phencyclidine and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on spermatogenesis in mice

In this study, the combined effects of chronic phencyclidine (PCP) and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on spermatogenesis in mice were examined. Mice were treated with THC (50 mg/kg, PO) and PCP (15 mg/kg, IP) alone or in combination for 16 days and with PCP alone for 35 days. THC had a significant effect on spermatogenesis and decreased the number of all germinal cells. PCP, on the other hand, affected all germinal cells except spermatids after 35 days of treatment. Combination of THC and PCP treatment caused a significant decrease in resting and pachytene spermatocytes. Similarly, combination of these two drugs caused a significant increase in cauda epididymal abnormal sperms. These results suggest that THC and PCP may cause greater disruption in spermatogenesis when they are abused together.