Post-ischemic treatment with cannabidiol prevents electroencephalographic flattening, hyperlocomotion and neuronal injury in gerbils.
The potential activity of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of marijuana, in preventing damage caused by cerebral ischemia was studied. Cannabidiol (1.25-20 mg/kg) was given 5 min after 10 min bilateral carotid occlusion in freely-moving awake gerbils. Seven days after ischemia, it antagonized the electroencephalographic flattening of total spectral power, with a dose-dependent bell-shaped curve; the neuroprotective effect was greatest with 5 mg/kg. One day after ischemia cannabidiol completely antagonized ischemia-induced hyperlocomotion, at all doses. Rectal temperature did not change during the first hour after occlusion. Histological examination showed complete survival of CA1 neurons in cannabidiol-treated gerbils. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role of cannabidiol in cerebral ischemia, though the clear mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.
Braida
Daniela
D
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy.
Pegorini
Simona
S
Arcidiacono
Maria Vittoria
MV
Consalez
Gian Giacomo
GG
Croci
Laura
L
Sala
Mariaelvina
M
D000818:Animals; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002185:Cannabidiol / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005849:Gerbillinae; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology
D002186:Cannabinoids; D002185:Cannabidiol