Effects of CB2 cannabinoid receptor activation on cardiac contractility of the freshwater fish, Brycon amazonicus, used as an experimental model

• Grant number: 20/13382-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2021
• End date: March 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Diana Amaral Monteiro
• Grantee: Yan Costa Gonçalves
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In addition to their known classical effects, such as analgesia and impaired cognition and learning, the cannabinoids have also been associated to the regulation of cardiovascular responses. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are present in several organs, including cardiac tissue. However, the effects of activation of these receptors on cardiac function are still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cardiac muscle responses after CB2 receptor activation, using fish as an experimental model, which is an attractive tool for testing with innovative therapies. We will investigate the effects of CB2 receptor activation by a synthetic cannabinoid agonist on the contractility of the isolated ventricular myocardium and expression of proteins involved on calcium handling during excitation-contraction coupling. The results will contribute to increase the theoretical and scientific basis on the role of endocannabinoid system activation in cardiac function.