A novel female influences delta 9-THC effects on plasma hormone levels in male mice.
Exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (50 mg/kg) alters the endocrine responsivity of male mice to female-related exteroceptive stimuli. Exposure to a novel female prevents or delays the THC-induced decrease in plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. These hormonal alterations are apparently not due to the LH-releasing effects of female-related pheromonal or tactile cues, since administration of luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LRF) did not mimic the effects of a novel female on plasma T levels  in THC-treated males. Exposure to a much lower dose of THC (0.5 mg/kg) did augment the LRF-induced increases in plasma T levels suggesting a possible synergism between gonadotropins and THC on androgen production. The present findings suggest that THC-induced alterations in hormonal status may be influenced by complex social or environmental factors.
D000818:Animals; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D006728:Hormones; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D013759:Dronabinol