Perinatal cannabinoid exposure: Effects on hepatic cytochrome P‐450 and plasma protein levels in male mice

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Abstract
Maternal exposure to the major psychoactive Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or to the nonpsychoactive cannabinol (CBN) or cannabidiol (CBD) on day 12 of gestation, or on day 1 postpartum, affected the concentrations of hepatic cytochromes P‐450 in adult male offspring. Levels of P‐450 were significantly increased in adult males prenatally exposed to cannabinoids, but were reduced after postnatal exposure. The response to exogenous testosterone was also differentially affected by perinatal cannbinoid exposure, with reduced plasma androgen in males prenatally to THC or CBN. There was a concomitant decrease in plasma albumin and increased γ‐globulin in adult males postnatally exposed to CBN. Beta‐globulin levels were also significantly increased in adult males exposed to cannabichromine (CBC) on day 1 postpartum. Cannabinoid exposure during perinatal periods of development exert effects on hepatic function, plasma androgen levels, and on the immune system. These effects may reflect the ability of perinatal cannabinoid exposure to interfere with androgen‐mediated processes of differentiation.