Effect of chronic oral administration of cannabis (Bhango) on brain biogenic amines and sexual haviour Of male rats [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Crude Cannabis resin extracted with methanol was orally administered to male rats (Ruttus norvegicus) at the dose level of 5 mg/l00g body weight to study the effect of chronic administration cannabinoid on sexual behavior, some related blood parameters and biogenic amines in the whole brain tissues. The treatment was continued daily for 15, 30 and 45 days. Control rats received SalineTween 80 through the same route. Samples of homogenate brain tissue and blood were subjected to determination of biogenic amines, some enzymes in brain and blood, besides blood glucose and testosterone at different periods. The obtained results showed that Cannabis sativa methanol extract caused an increase in the level of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) in brain, however, both 5- hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) concentration and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain tissues were significantly decreased. These changes were associated with the extension of treatment time. Hence, brain contents of DA and 5-HT were higher at 45 days post-treatment, and NE increases were concomitant with 5-HIAA and AChE decreases along the whole experimental period. A significant increase in blood glucose was also recorded in treated rats. The results revealed that the marker enzyme for testicular activity i.e. Ganuna-glutamyl transpeptidase, (G-GT) was significantly increased by cannabis methanol extract indicating suppression in the spermatogenic activity of male rats, which in tum suppress testosterone secretion from Leydig cell of the testis. Daily oral administration of cannabis methanol extract for 30 days to male rats resulted in significant decrease in the level of serum testosterone. However, the lowest value was recorded after 45 days. A significant reduction in the general behavior activities of treated rats was observed. Sexual activity of male rats, including libido, mounting and courtship behavioral responses, was significantly decreased. Also, the non- sexual activities, i.e. feeding, drinking, walking, etc. were dramatically decreased, hence the quiescence time increased. Based on the abovementioned, it could be concluded that chronic oral administration of methanol extract of cannabis could modulate biogenic amines in the brain tissues, along with some enzymes, which may disrupt the physiological homeostasis of male rats by suppressing their sexual activity and reducing the concentration of the principal male sex hormone that may resulted in lowering their fertilizing capacity.

1