Effects of prenatal THC vapor exposure on body weight, glucose metabolism, and feeding behaviors in chow and high-fat diet fed rats

Catherine Hume ^1,2, Samantha L Baglot ^3,4, Lucia Javorcikova ^3,4

⁰Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. catherine.hume1@ucalgary.ca.

International Journal of Obesity (2005) +

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March 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in rats did not cause obesity but may increase diabetes risk and alter eating habits, with effects varying by sex and diet. This research clarifies potential impacts of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Area Of Science

Reproductive biology
Developmental toxicology
Metabolic research

Background

Cannabis use during pregnancy is common, necessitating risk assessment.
Evidence suggests prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) may link to later obesity and diabetes, but controlled studies are limited.
This study investigates PCE effects on adiposity, glucose metabolism, and feeding patterns in adult rodents, exploring sex-specific differences.

Purpose Of The Study

To characterize the long-term effects of PCE on metabolic health and feeding behaviors in a rodent model.
To identify potential sex differences in the response to PCE.
To assess the impact of PCE under different dietary conditions (high-fat vs. low-fat diet).

Main Methods

Pregnant rats were exposed to vaporized THC or a control vehicle throughout gestation.
Offspring were assessed for adiposity, glucose metabolism, and feeding behavior in adulthood.
Rats were subsequently fed either a high-fat or low-fat diet for 4 months, with repeated metabolic and behavioral assessments.

Main Results

PCE did not affect maternal weight or food intake but caused transiently lower pup weight.
While initial body weight and adiposity were unaffected, PCE reduced weight gain on both high-fat and low-fat diets.
PCE exhibited complex, sex- and diet-dependent effects on glucose metabolism and feeding behavior, with no impact on leptin, insulin, or white adipose tissue mass.

Conclusions

PCE may not directly cause obesity but could elevate risks for diabetes and abnormal eating patterns under specific conditions.
This study provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure.