The effect of the cannabidiol in neuron regeneration after the crushing of the sciatic nerve in adult mouses

• Grant number: 14/13126-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
• Grantee: Elisa Ribeiro Miranda Antunes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The nervous system is very sensitive to trauma and its regenerative capacity is a complex and limited process. Thus, mainly in the adulthood, the tissue repair does not occur or occurs incompletely, resulting irreversible damage associated to functional limitations. The crushing of peripheral nerves is a relatively common event in high energy accidents, taking into account the superficial trajectory of some of them. Such injury triggers innumerous responses in the axotomized neurons, which change from a state of synaptic transmission to a regeneration state. Thus, in order to prevent harmful stimuli that mey lead to neuronal death, several substances with neuroprotective potential have been studied. An example is the cannabidiol CBD)neuroprotection putatively mediated by the CB1 and CB2 receptors, that are part of the endocannabinoid system. Thus, such receptors, as well as the endocannabinoid system itself, are strong candidates for new neuroprotective theerapies. Consequently, the present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective and regenerative potential of cannabidiol and its possible action via cannabinoid receptors. For that, C57BL/6J mice will be used, divided into five experimental groups: 1) crushing of the sciatic nerve and treatment with cannabidiol (15mg/Kg, CBD group) 2) crushing of the sciatic nerve and treatment with PB (PB group) 3)crushing of the sciatic nerve and treatment with CBD + CB1 receptor antagonist (CBD + anti CB1 group) 4) crushing of the sciatic nerve and treatment with CBD + CB2 receptor antagonist (CBD + anti CB1 group) 5) crushing of the sciatic nerve and treatment with CBD + CB1and CB2 receptor antagonist (CBD + anti CB1/ CB2 group). To evaluate the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as the axonal elongation (GAP43 expression) we will use immunohistochemistry analysis. For the functional evaluation of the gait recovery the "walking track test" (CatWalk system) will be employed. (AU)