Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure Caused Sex-Specific Changes in Breathing, Heart Function, and Anxiety in Adult Rats
Rats exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid in the womb developed sex-dependent changes in adulthood: males had increased sensitivity to CO2 and O2 while females had decreased sensitivity, and both sexes were more prone to high blood pressure and rapid heart rate.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Males showed increased chemosensitivity to CO2 and O2, while females exhibited decreased sensitivity. Both sexes showed greater susceptibility to hypertension and tachycardia under adverse conditions. Males had more fragmented sleep, while females showed anxiolytic and panicolytic behavioral responses. No changes were found in lung mechanics or brainstem CB1 receptor expression.
Key Numbers
WIN 55,212-2 dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day during gestation; males: increased CO2/O2 chemosensitivity, fragmented sleep; females: decreased chemosensitivity, anxiolytic responses; both: hypertension and tachycardia susceptibility
How They Did This
Pregnant rats received daily synthetic cannabinoid (WIN 55,212-2, 0.5 mg/kg/day) during gestation. Adult offspring were assessed for cardiorespiratory control, chemosensitivity, sleep patterns, and panic-like behavior.
Why This Research Matters
This is among the first studies to examine how prenatal cannabinoid exposure affects the cardiorespiratory system long-term. The sex-specific effects on breathing control and cardiovascular regulation suggest that prenatal cannabis exposure may create lasting vulnerability to cardiorespiratory problems.
The Bigger Picture
Most prenatal cannabis research focuses on brain development and behavior. This study extends concerns to the cardiorespiratory system, an area that has received little attention despite the potential clinical relevance.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Used a synthetic cannabinoid (not THC or whole cannabis). Single dose level. Rat model may not translate directly to humans. The sex differences make interpretation complex.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would THC or whole cannabis produce similar cardiorespiratory effects to WIN 55,212-2?
- ?Could prenatal cannabis exposure increase vulnerability to sleep apnea or other breathing disorders in humans?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Sex-specific effects: males had increased breathing sensitivity while females had decreased
- Evidence Grade:
- Animal study using a synthetic cannabinoid at a single dose. Novel cardiorespiratory findings but limited translatability.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024.
- Original Title:
- Long-term effects on cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses in male and female rats prenatally exposed to cannabinoid.
- Published In:
- American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 327(3), L341-L358 (2024)
- Authors:
- Patrone, Luis Gustavo A(3), Frias, Alana T, Fantinatti, Gabriel T, Stabile, Angelita M, Klein, Wilfried, Bícego, Kênia C, Gargaglioni, Luciane H
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05611
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can prenatal cannabis affect breathing?
In rats, prenatal cannabinoid exposure caused lasting sex-dependent changes in how the respiratory system responds to CO2 and O2, plus increased susceptibility to high blood pressure.
Were the effects the same in males and females?
No. Males had increased breathing sensitivity and fragmented sleep, while females had decreased sensitivity and showed less anxiety-like behavior.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05611APA
Patrone, Luis Gustavo A; Frias, Alana T; Fantinatti, Gabriel T; Stabile, Angelita M; Klein, Wilfried; Bícego, Kênia C; Gargaglioni, Luciane H. (2024). Long-term effects on cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses in male and female rats prenatally exposed to cannabinoid.. American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 327(3), L341-L358. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00042.2024
MLA
Patrone, Luis Gustavo A, et al. "Long-term effects on cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses in male and female rats prenatally exposed to cannabinoid.." American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00042.2024
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Long-term effects on cardiorespiratory and behavioral respon..." RTHC-05611. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/patrone-2024-longterm-effects-on-cardiorespiratory
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.