title: Effects of cannabinoids on macromolecular synthesis in isolated spermatogenic cells.
abstract: Effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) (1, 3 or 5 microM for 2 h) on macromolecular synthesis were investigated in homogeneous populations of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids obtained from CD-1 mice. Incorporation of 3H-uridine into the acid-insoluble fraction was used as an index of RNA synthesis. Treatment of pachytene spermatocytes with 5 microM THC, CBN and CBD reduced radioactive incorporation by 81%, 62% and 67%, respectively, compared to vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) controls. Treatment of round spermatids with 5 microM THC, CBN and CBD reduced radioactive incorporation by 54%, 61% and 63%, respectively, compared to controls. In addition to reduction of radioactive incorporation into the acid-insoluble fraction, there was also reduction in the acid-soluble fraction not comparable in magnitude to the reduction in the acid-insoluble fraction. Pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids isolated from THC-treated mice (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed no reduction in macromolecular synthesis compared to cells isolated from vehicle-treated mice. Suppression of macromolecular synthesis induced by in vitro cannabinoid treatment is discussed in terms of membrane-mediated interference with cell metabolism.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002185:Cannabidiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002187:Cannabinol / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012995:Solubility; D013087:Spermatids / Q000187:drug effects; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014529:Uridine / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D002185:Cannabidiol; D012313:RNA; D013759:Dronabinol; D002187:Cannabinol; D014529:Uridine