Exploring the Anticonvulsant Effects of CBD on PTZ-Induced Seizures in Sprague Dawley Rats

Trimble, Aleigh Breann

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Exploring the Anticonvulsant Effects of CBD on PTZ-Induced Seizures in Sprague Dawley Rats Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/tm70mw73s

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by the recurrence of seizures. While there are a variety of approved epileptic treatments, many epileptic patients are drug-resistant. Based on current animal model data, cannabidiol (CBD) has been a large focus of interest over the recent years as it has shown to produce anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and antihyperalgesic properties, and therefore, may have the potential to help alleviate seizures, including in epileptic patients who are drug-resistant. While the underlying mechanism of this compound remains unclear, CBD is known to possess an affinity for a range of targets, thereby resulting in decreased neuronal excitability. Hence, CBD is a potential treatment for epileptic patients, especially for those that are drug-resistant. Considering the proposed mechanisms of both pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; a compound known to induce acute seizure activity) and CBD, we hypothesized that CBD will present with anticonvulsant effects through the use of PTZ-induced seizures. Using cranial electrode implantations, we then analyzed the brain activity in Sprague Dawley rats who were given either PTZ or vehicle (VEH) injections after receiving a low dose of CBD. Our findings revealed that CBD only moderately decreased the frequency of pre-ictal spiking and seizure severity (though, this was not found to reach statistical significance). Additionally, there was no significant effect of CBD on seizure latency or duration. From here, we hope to build from this knowledge and continue to explore the therapeutic effects of CBD within future research.

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