Prenatal Exposure to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alters the Expression of miR-122-5p and Its Target IGF1R in the Adult Rat Ovary

The study found that prenatal exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats led to the upregulation of miR-122-5p and decreased expression of its target, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r), in adult ovaries. This alteration was linked to increased apoptosis and impaired follicular development, suggesting potential long-term impacts on ovarian health, subfertility, or premature reproductive senescence. The research highlighted the potential reproductive risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.