THC Suppressed Antibody-Producing Cells and Shrank Spleens in Mice
THC administration in mice caused marked suppression of antibody-producing spleen cells along with a general loss of spleen cellularity.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Mice immunized with sheep red blood cells and given THC showed a marked reduction in plaque-forming cells, which are the spleen cells responsible for producing antibodies. This suppression occurred alongside a general loss of spleen cellularity, meaning the overall number of cells in the spleen decreased.
The results pointed to THC having substantial effects on antibody synthesis, the process by which the immune system produces the proteins that target specific pathogens.
Key Numbers
- Marked suppression of plaque-forming cells (exact numbers not provided in abstract)
- General loss of spleen cellularity
- Model: mice immunized with sheep erythrocytes
How They Did This
Mice were immunized with sheep erythrocytes and administered delta-9-THC. Plaque-forming cell response (a measure of antibody production) and overall spleen cellularity were measured.
Why This Research Matters
While the previous studies in this era focused on T-cells and macrophages, this study showed THC also affects the antibody-producing arm of the immune system. Together, these early animal studies painted a picture of THC broadly suppressing multiple components of immunity.
The Bigger Picture
This study contributed to the growing body of 1970s evidence that THC suppresses immune function across multiple cell types and pathways. Modern research has since identified cannabinoid receptors on immune cells as the mechanism, and the clinical significance of these laboratory findings in humans remains debated.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Animal study with injected THC at doses that may not reflect human exposure. Abstract does not report specific doses, timing, or magnitude of suppression. Mouse immune systems differ from human immune systems. No clinical outcomes were measured.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis use in humans reduce antibody production to vaccines or infections?
- ?Is the spleen cellularity loss reversible after stopping THC?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Marked suppression of antibody-producing spleen cells in mice given THC
- Evidence Grade:
- Animal study measuring one immune parameter. No human data. Preliminary mechanistic evidence.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1975. Part of the first wave of THC immunology research. The immune-suppressive effects of cannabinoids are now understood through receptor-level mechanisms.
- Original Title:
- Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse spleens.
- Published In:
- Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology, 11(4), 659-62 (1975)
- Authors:
- Lefkowitz, S S, Chiang, C Y
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00007
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Read More on RethinkTHC
- CBD-oil-quality-guide
- anxiety-medication-after-quitting-weed
- cannabis-chemotherapy-nausea
- cannabis-chronic-pain-research
- cannabis-epilepsy-CBD-Epidiolex
- cbd-anxiety-research-evidence
- cbd-for-weed-withdrawal
- cbd-vs-thc-difference
- medical-benefits-of-cannabis
- quitting-weed-before-surgery
- quitting-weed-medication-interactions
- quitting-weed-pregnancy
- quitting-weed-pregnant
- seniors-older-adults-cannabis-risks-medications
- weed-breastfeeding-THC-breast-milk
- cannabis-and-ibs-gut-health-inflammation
- cannabis-and-crohns-disease-gastroenterology
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00007APA
Lefkowitz, S S; Chiang, C Y. (1975). Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse spleens.. Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology, 11(4), 659-62.
MLA
Lefkowitz, S S, et al. "Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse spleens.." Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology, 1975.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse spleens." RTHC-00007. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/lefkowitz-1975-effects-of-delta9tetrahydrocannabinol-on
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.