TY  - JOUR
AU  - Das, Niladri Sekhar
T1  - Effect of various doses of Cannabis extract on male reproductive system of FBV/N strain albino mice
JO  - Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry
Y1  - 2025/december
VL  - 21
IS  - 4
SP  - 153
EP  - 168
UR  - http://www.jspb.ru/issues/2025/N4/JSPB_2025_4_153-168.pdf
KW  - FBV/N strain adult male mice
KW  - Cannabis extract
KW  - Oxidative stress
KW  - free radicals
KW  - steroidogenic hormones
U1  - 1997-0838
N2  - The experiment focused on the endocrinological, histopathological and biochemical effects of a Cannabis extract (CAN) containing cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa on the male reproductive system of mammals. The experiment involved five groups of albino mice (FBV/N strain), with 12 mice in each group. The groups were labeled as follows: CV-I, a control group treated with alcohol vehicle; CAN-II, a group treated with 40mg/mouse of CAN; CAN-III, a group treated with 60mg/mouse of CAN; CAN-IV, a group treated with 80mg/mouse of CAN; and CAN-V-R, a withdrawal group allowing for a 45-day recovery period after receiving 80mg/mouse of CAN treatment. The experimental subjects were given CAN through intraperitoneal injection. At low doses (40mg/mouse and 60mg/mouse), significant histopathological changes were observed, including a reduction in the weight of the testes, seminal vesicle, and epididymis, shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, impairment of the spermatogenic cycle, and a reduction in sperm count. There were also significant changes in protein, lipid, and cholesterol content, as well as in the concentration of steroidogenic enzymes such as 3-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), testicular acetylcholinesterase (tACHE), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) at low doses. The reduction of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD at low doses also affected the concentration of serum testosterone, supporting the higher value of cholesterol content. Additionally, a reduction in gonadotropins (FSH and LH) at low doses was documented, along with hypertrophied pituitary due to positive feedback stimulation. The reduction of lipid content was likely related to lipid peroxidation due to an increase in the amount of conjugated dienes. However, in the high-dose group (80mg/mouse) and the withdrawal group (CV-V-R), gradual recovery in all parameters was observed. In conclusion, it is suggested that high-dose CAN treatment produces a sort of stress that likely activates some stress-induced genes responsible for minimizing the drastic effects of CAN produced by low-dose treatment.
ER  -