Effects of delta 9-tetraphydrocannabinol administration on gonadal steroidogenic activity in vivo.

The effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration on gonadal steroidogenic activity in vivo were studied in two animal models: (1) luteal function of the rhesus monkey and (2) periovulatory steroid concentrations of rabbits treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). THC-treated monkeys demonstrated progesterone concentrations and luteal phase lengths which were not different from those in untreated controls. THC did not impair the normal pattern of response of the corpus luteum to increasing doses of hCG as measured by serum progesterone concentrations and luteal phase lengths. Rabbits treated with THC manifested normal periovulatory steroidal patterns (progesterone, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone). These data suggest that THC does not significantly inhibit steroidogenesis by a direct action on the ovary. Its effect may be mediated by a central mechanism of action.