The central cannabinoid receptor inactivation suppresses endocrine reproductive functions.
The function of central cannabinoid (CB1) receptor was investigated in the regulation of the pituitary-gonad axis in CB1 receptor knockout male mouse. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) levels and basal T secretion in vitro of testes were significantly decreased in mutant (CB1-/-) mice. The receptor agonist, anandamide (ANA), suppressed LH and T secretion in wild type (CB1+/+) mice but had no effect in receptor inactivated animals. The results are the first descriptions indicating the direct action of CB1 receptors on LH and T secretion and the immunohistological demonstration of CB1 receptors in the Leydig cells. The results also indicate that CB1 receptors are responsible for the effects of exogenous cannabinoids on reproductive functions.
Wenger
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Department of Human Morphology, Semmelweis University, H-1450 Budapest, Hungary. wenger@ana2.sote.hu
Ledent
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Csernus
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Gerendai
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D000818:Animals; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000077285:Rimonabant; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D010880:Piperidines; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D011720:Pyrazoles; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D000077285:Rimonabant; C078814:anandamide