Abstract
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) was embryo- or fetocidal when administered to pregnant mice. Δ9-THC administered on days 8 and 9 of gestation produced about 70% incidence of in utero deaths. Δ9-THC induced about 30% incidence of in utero deaths when administered on gestational days 10 and 11 or days 12 and 13. Δ9-THC also significantly reduced fetal body weight. Again, there was a gestational period susceptibility. After i.p. administration of 14C-labeled Δ9-THC, 14C was measured in maternal plasma. The greater accumulation of 14C was found in maternal fat and liver tissue. Smaller amounts of 14C were measured in maternal kidney, muscle and brain tissue. Δ9-THC was transferred across the placenta and was measured in fetal tissue and amnionic fluid. Excretion of Δ9-THC was primarily by feces and at 120 hours after injection about 10% of the dose remained in the animals. Maximum excretion of Δ9-THC in the urine was about 10% of the administered dose. Thus, Δ9-THC is transferred across the placenta and is embryocidal or fetocidal.
Footnotes
- Received August 2, 1971.
- Accepted October 18, 1971.
- © 1972 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.
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