title: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment improved endothelium-dependent relaxation on streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic rat aorta.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we investigated the possible effect of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, on metabolic control and vascular complications of diabetes in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ/NIC) induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Type 2 diabetes was induced with 65 mg/kg STZ, 15 minute later 85 mg/kg NIC was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats. Three days after diabetes induction, THC (3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was given for 7 days to diabetic rats. Body weight and plasma glucose levels of rats were measured in all groups before and at the end of 3 weeks after diabetes induction. Acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) potency and maximum relaxant effects were calculated on aortic rings pre-contracted with noradrenaline (NA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of 3 weeks, blood glucose levels of diabetic group significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Increased plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased by the treatment of THC. Ach induced relaxation was impaired whereas endothelium-independent relaxation to SNP was unaffected on isolated diabetic rat aorta. THC treatment enhanced Ach induced relaxation on diabetic rat aortas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggested that THC improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in STZ/NIC induced diabetic rat aorta and that these effects were mediated at least in part, by control of hyperglycemia and enhanced endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability.
authors: Fifth Specialty Board of Forensic Medicine Institution Istanbul Turkey.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Altınok
authors: Istanbul Bilim University Health Services Vocational School Istanbul Turkey.
authors: Z M
authors: ZM
authors: Coşkun
authors: Istanbul University Deparment of Medical Pharmacology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty 34098 Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Turkey.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Karaoğlu
authors: Istanbul University Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Istanbul Turkey.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bolkent
authors: Istanbul University Deparment of Medical Pharmacology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty 34098 Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Turkey.
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Akkan
authors: Istanbul University Deparment of Medical Pharmacology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty 34098 Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Turkey.
authors: Sibel
authors: S
authors: Özyazgan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009536:Niacinamide; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D009536:Niacinamide; D013759:Dronabinol
keywords: STZ/NIC induced diabetes; aorta; endothelial dysfunction; rat; type 2 diabetes mellitus; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol