Recreational use of marijuana during pregnancy and negative gestational and fetal outcomes: An experimental study in mice

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.05.020
• Publication Date: 2016-05-25T06:32:35Z
• Authors: Sarah G. Benevenuto; Marlise D. Domenico; Marco Antônio G. ...; Natália S. Costa; Ana Rosa L. de Souza; Jose L. Costa; Marina F.M. Tavares; Marisa Dolhnikoff; Mariana Matera Veras
• Keywords: Litter; Developmental toxicity

The prevalence of marijuana use among pregnant women is high. However, the effects on gestation and fetal development are not well known. Epidemiological experimental studies present conflicting results because route administration, dose, time exposure, species used, how Cannabis toxicity tested (prepared extracts, specific components, or by pyrolysis). In this study, we experimentally investigated maternal inhalation sativa smoke representing as nearly possible real world conditions human use. Pregnant mice (n=20) were exposed (nose-only) daily for 5min to (0.2g Cannabis) from gestational day (GD) 5.5 GD17.5 filtered air. Food intake weight gain recorded. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed 10.5 16.5dpc.On GD18.5, half dams euthanized evaluation term fetus, placenta, resorptions. Gestation length, parturition, neonatal outcomes evaluated in other half. Five minutes (low dose) exposure during pregnancy resulted reduced birthweight, litter size altered; however, number male pups per higher. Besides, placental wet increased ratio decreased fetuses, showing a sex-specific effect. At end gestation, females group presented net body gain, despite slight increase their food compared control group. conclusion, our indicate that smoking even at low doses can be embryotoxic fetotoxic.