Long-term effects of marihuana smoke on uterine contractility and tumour development in rats

ABSTRACT

The present investigation considered the role of acute and chronic marihuana smoking, as well as crude extracts of marihuana (ME), on uterine contractions and tumour development. The contractions and the electrical activity were recorded on isolated superfused rats' uteri. Enhanced spontaneous activity and contractile responses were observed following exposure to marihuana smoke. Atropine failed to block contractile responses with ME following chronic smoke exposure. It is suggested that ME contains both contractile and relaxing properties. Chronic exposure to marihuana smoke resulted in appearance of various tumours in 50 percent of experimental animals. This study suggested far-reaching consequences on reproductive activity following chronic use of marihuana (AU)