Marihuana and alcohol: perinatal effects on development of male reproductive functions in mice

Marihuana and alcohol have been reported to exert a wide range of effects on reproductive functions in man and laboratory animals. Decreased testosterone levels, suppression of pituitary gonadotropin release, impaired fertility and sexual dysfunction have been observed in adult males exposed to either of these substances. The present studies examined the effects of perinatal exposure to ETOH and THC alone or in combination on the development or reproductive functions in mice. Testes weights and plasma testosterone levels were reduced in adult males perinatally exposed to these substances, alone or in combination. Seminal vesicle weights were reduced only in the THC-exposed mice, while kidney weights were decreased by either ETOH or THC exposure. In ETOH plus THC-exposed animals, plasma LH was reduced while FSH levels were increased. In response to castration, gonadotropin levels were elevated in mice perinatally exposed to THC. In vitro responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation, as indicated by testosterone production by decapsulated testes, was significantly inhibited in tissue obtained from ETOH-exposed males. Although no simple interactions were observed, it is evident that THC and ETOH, either alone or in combination, can affect the development of male reproductive functions in mice.