Abstract
The lowering of testosterone levels in both humans and experimental animals is apparently one of the effects caused by exposure to marihuana or certain of its components. This effect could be produced either by an indirect action on the central nervous system or by a direct action on the testes, specifically the Leydig cells. Using isolated murine Leydig cells as a model, a stepwise examination of the steroidogenic pathway was carried out to locate the site of action of Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol in this system. The evidence points to the release of "precursor" cholesterol from its ester storage form as the point of inhibition. Generally, the pharmacological effects of marihuana have been difficult to link to a specific biochemical process. The findings reported here provide an example where such a correlation may be possible.
- Copyright © 1979 by Academic Press, Inc.
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