Psychopharmacology

2017

DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4601-1

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Individual prolactin reactivity modulates response of nucleus accumbens to erotic stimuli during acute cannabis intoxication: an fMRI pilot study

Renáta Androvičová

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Jiří Horáček

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Jaroslav Tintěra

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et al.

Abstract: Cannabis intoxication increases activation of the right nucleus accumbens to erotic stimuli. This effect is limited to users whose prolactin is not elevated in response to intoxication. This effect may be useful in the treatment of low sexual desire.

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Sexual Function1

Effects Of Thc Administration and Acute Marijuana Use On Hpa1

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Cited by 11 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…43 A recent investigation by Androvicova et al validated these results by showing that cannabis intoxication increased activation of the right nucleus accumbens upon presentation of erotic stimuli, leading the authors to conclude that cannabis may help in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire. 44 In contrast to these findings, animal studies demonstrated reduced libido after acute and chronic cannabis administration. Using 5 mg/kg THC Murphy et al found that 30 minutes after THC injection the percent of male rats showing copulatory behavior with sexually receptive females was significantly diminished.…”

Section: Sexual Functionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review

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et al. 2019

Journal of Urology

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Purpose: With cannabis consumption on the rise and use prominent among males of reproductive age it is essential to understand the potential impact of cannabis on male fertility. We reviewed the literature regarding the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMedÒ/ MEDLINEÒ to identify relevant studies of the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Relevant studies were identified and reviewed. Results: The strongest evidence of cannabis induced alterations in male fertility is in the category of semen parameters. Research supports a role for cannabis in reducing sperm count and concentration, inducing abnormalities in sperm morphology, reducing sperm motility and viability, and inhibiting capacitation and fertilizing capacity. Animal models demonstrate a role for cannabis in testicular atrophy, and reduced libido and sexual function but to our knowledge these results have not yet been replicated in human studies. Studies of hormonal changes suggest inconclusive effects on testosterone levels, lowered luteinizing hormone levels and unchanged follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Conclusions: Current research suggests that cannabis may negatively impact male fertility. Further studies are needed to validate that robust findings in animal models will carry over into human experience. Clinicians should be aware of these potential effects when prescribing medical marijuana therapies to men of reproductive age, and they should consider the degree of cannabis use as a possible component of a complete male infertility workup.

“…43 A recent investigation by Androvicova et al validated these results by showing that cannabis intoxication increased activation of the right nucleus accumbens upon presentation of erotic stimuli, leading the authors to conclude that cannabis may help in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire. 44 In contrast to these findings, animal studies demonstrated reduced libido after acute and chronic cannabis administration. Using 5 mg/kg THC Murphy et al found that 30 minutes after THC injection the percent of male rats showing copulatory behavior with sexually receptive females was significantly diminished.…”

Section: Sexual Functionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review

¹

,

²

,

³

et al. 2019

Journal of Urology

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Purpose: With cannabis consumption on the rise and use prominent among males of reproductive age it is essential to understand the potential impact of cannabis on male fertility. We reviewed the literature regarding the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMedÒ/ MEDLINEÒ to identify relevant studies of the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Relevant studies were identified and reviewed. Results: The strongest evidence of cannabis induced alterations in male fertility is in the category of semen parameters. Research supports a role for cannabis in reducing sperm count and concentration, inducing abnormalities in sperm morphology, reducing sperm motility and viability, and inhibiting capacitation and fertilizing capacity. Animal models demonstrate a role for cannabis in testicular atrophy, and reduced libido and sexual function but to our knowledge these results have not yet been replicated in human studies. Studies of hormonal changes suggest inconclusive effects on testosterone levels, lowered luteinizing hormone levels and unchanged follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Conclusions: Current research suggests that cannabis may negatively impact male fertility. Further studies are needed to validate that robust findings in animal models will carry over into human experience. Clinicians should be aware of these potential effects when prescribing medical marijuana therapies to men of reproductive age, and they should consider the degree of cannabis use as a possible component of a complete male infertility workup.

“…Cortisol levels were also higher after inhalation of MJ vs. unintoxicated baseline levels in an fMRI study examining the aphrodisiacal effects of MJ in MJ users. However, there were no differences in cortisol levels between MJ users with or without prior aphrodisiacal experiences, so its effect on brain activity was not examined further ( 18 ). Considering the lack of standardization of MJ administration, caution should be used when drawing conclusions based on these results.…”

Section: Effects Of Thc Administration and Acute Marijuana Use On Hpamentioning

confidence: 99%

Marijuana Use and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning in Humans

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2018

Front. Psychiatry

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Preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids affect functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but little is known about the effects of marijuana (MJ) use on HPA axis functioning in humans. Since previous work indicates substances of abuse may dysregulate the HPA axis, it is critical to understand how MJ use affects HPA axis activity. Here, we review studies that (a) examined the effects of acute MJ administration on HPA axis functioning, (b) investigated the impact of stress on HPA axis functioning in MJ users, (c) examined the effect of chronic MJ use on basal cortisol levels, and (d) studied the relationship between MJ use and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Findings indicate acute MJ administration typically raises cortisol levels, but this increase is blunted in MJ-dependent users relative to controls. Frequent MJ users have blunted adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol reactivity in response to acute stress. These findings suggest HPA axis activity may be dysregulated by heavy MJ use. Alternatively, dysregulation of the HPA axis may be a risk marker for heavy MJ use. There is mixed evidence for how MJ use affects basal cortisol levels and the CAR. Future studies should consider MJ use characteristics, method of hormone collection, time when samples are collected, and environmental factors that may influence HPA axis activity in MJ users. By examining existing studies we provide one of the first reviews aimed at synthesizing the literature on HPA axis functioning in MJ users.

“… 22 In humans, a study using functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that cannabis intoxication modulates the response of the right nucleus accumbens to visual erotic stimuli. 23 The nucleus accumbens is involved in the processing of the rewarding effects of sexual behavior, and activation of dopamine receptors in this brain region is shown to increase sexual motivation even among sexually satiated rodents. 24 , 25 The cannabinoid composition of consumed cannabis may modulate the effect on sexual behavior, as well.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis Use Characteristics and Sexual Function in Men

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2020

Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States; however, the effects of cannabis use on male sexual function are poorly understood. Aim To characterize the contemporary landscape of cannabis use and to assess the associations between male sexual function and the frequency of use, the primary method of consumption, or cannabis chemovar (tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol) among current users. Methods We surveyed adults who visited a single cannabis dispensary for baseline demographic information, medical history, cannabis use habits, and sexual function as assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). An IIEF-5 < 21 was considered erectile dysfunction. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measure of the study was male sexual function via the IIEF domain scores. Results A total of 325 men completed the survey with a mean age of 46.7 years. 71.1% of the men were Caucasian and 52.6% were married. 13 men (4%) were never users; 29 men (8.9%) used 1–2 times/week; 51 men (15.7%) used 3–5 times/week, and 232 men (71.4%) used 6+ times/week. The average IIEF-5 score was 22.3 with 19.4% of the men having erectile dysfunction. In univariate analysis, men using cannabis more frequently had a higher overall IIEF (65.36 vs 60.52, P = .001), erectile domain (27.32 vs 25.74, P = .03), orgasm domain (9.08 vs 8.12, P < .001), intercourse satisfaction domain (12.42 vs 11.31, P = .006), and overall satisfaction domain (8.11 vs 7.05, P = .002). In multivariable analysis, compared to men who used cannabis 0 times/week, those who used 6 times/week had an increased overall IIEF (69.08 vs 64.64, P -value adjusted = 0.02), intercourse satisfaction domain ( P -value adjusted = 0.04), and overall satisfaction domain ( P -value adjusted = 0.02). The primary method of consumption (eg, smoking, edibles, etc.) and cannabinoid composition (eg, cannabidiol vs tetrahydrocannabinol dominant) were not associated with sexual function. Conclusion We report an association between the increased frequency of cannabis use and increased male sexual function. However, while the increased frequency of use was statistically significant with regard to the IIEF scores, the clinical significance of this is likely low, and selection bias may limit the generalizability of these findings. The method of consumption and cannabis chemovar were not associated with sexual function. Bhambhvani HP, Kasman AM, Wilson-King G, et al. A Survey Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis Use Characteristics and Sexual Function in Men. J Sex Med 2020;8:436–445.

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