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

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSENumerous 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 CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist, and D 9-tetrahydracannabinol (D 9 -THC) on the ATP levels and motility of murine sperm in vitro. In addition, the effects of acute administration of D 9-THC on male fecundity were determined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of D 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 D 9 -THC on sperm ATP was determined using a luciferase assay. Male fertility was determined by evaluating the size of litters sired by D 9-THC-treated males. KEY RESULTS Pretreatment CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility

“…Whan et al [108] exposed human spermatozoa to both therapeutic and recreational levels of THC and showed clearly that it reduced the percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa, while the kinematic parameters such as straight line velocity and average path velocity were also decreased. These observations are supported by both in vitro [111] and in vivo animal studies [102] where it is clearly shown that THC attenuates sperm motility and viability. The fact that THC impairs sperm motility and viability can be explained partially by the fact that it inhibits mitochondrial respiration and activity; therefore, the exposed spermatozoa are starved from energy [112].…”

“…The fact that THC impairs sperm motility and viability can be explained partially by the fact that it inhibits mitochondrial respiration and activity; therefore, the exposed spermatozoa are starved from energy [112]. These findings are supported by the marked reduction in sperm ATP levels due to THC [111]. It was also shown that THC inhibits fructose metabolism.…”

Characterization of non-olfactory GPCRs in human sperm with a focus on GPR18

“…A previous study showed that THC attenuates mouse sperm motility54. Further studies should investigate if the use of marijuana influences reproduction via GPR18 in males as well as in females.…”

Phytochemical and biological research of Cannabis pharmaceutical resources

“…9-THC disrupts cortical development by inducing an SCG10/stathmin-2 degradation pathway (Tortoriello et al, 2014). 9-THC both inhibits basal and bicarbonate-stimulated sperm motility in vitro and reduces male fertility in vivo (Morgan et al, 2012). 9-THC both inhibits basal and bicarbonate-stimulated sperm motility in vitro and reduces male fertility in vivo (Morgan et al, 2012).…”