Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol stimulation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cell migration: Interfering interaction with the estrogenic milieu

Purpose The effects of extended Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) exposure on estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells have been investigated; however, the effects of Δ 9 -THC exposure for a shorter duration remain unclear. In this study, we sought to study whether Δ 9 -THC stimulates the migration of MCF-7 cells under both estrogenic and estrogen-deprived conditions over a short period (approximately 6 h). Methods MCF-7 cells were treated with Δ 9 -THC under estrogenic or estrogen-deprived conditions, and cell migration was subsequently analyzed. Results Δ 9 -THC-stimulated migration of MCF-7 cells 6 h after exposure was only observed in the estrogen-deprived condition. However, Δ 9 -THC-mediated migration was counteracted under estrogenic conditions without affecting cell proliferation and estrogen receptor expression during this period. Conclusions Δ 9 -THC can stimulate MCF-7 cell migration under estrogen-deprived conditions; however, there is an interfering interaction between Δ 9 -THC and the estrogenic milieu that influences the migration of MCF-7 cells.