Study of the effects of exposing mice to Cannabis sativa extract: Morphohistology of the adrenal gland and clinical analysis of urine.

• Grant number: 24/01012-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Izabel Souza Camargo
• Grantee: Tito Mansilha da Costa Mina
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The medical and public health importance of ticks has been gaining significance. Various species, such as Rhipicephalus linnaei, Amblyomma cajennense, and R. microplus, cause infections in humans and animals, resulting in economic and health-related losses. R. linnaei ticks, known as red dog ticks, are particularly relevant as they infest domestic animals, transmiting pathogens to both pets and their owners. The primary approach to controlling these ectoparasites has been the use of synthetic acaricides, which, despite being effective, have several drawbacks, including the development of resistance in ectoparasites, toxicity to hosts, and negative environmental impacts. To overcome these challenges, recent research has sought safe and effective alternatives, highlighting bioactives extracted from plants or other animals. In this context, extracts from Cannabis sativa flowers emerge as a source of bioactive compounds. Laboratory tests have demonstrated their ability to disrupt crucial tissues in ticks, causing harm to their feeding and reproductive processes (as the figure in the project document demonstrate). Given the potential of these extracts to alter tick tissues/organs, this project aims to investigate morphohistologically whether applying them via spray at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, and 20 mg/mL (previously tested and efficient against R. linnaei) also alters the adrenal glands of mice (Mus musculus), important organs that can serve as bioindicators of toxicity. Furthermore, a clinical analysis of the urine of these mice will be conducted to detect if exposure to these extract concentrations causes toxic effects. This will be achieved by comparing the physical, chemical, and biochemical parameters of different treated groups. Histological techniques (HE) and histochemistry (labeling lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins) will be employed for gland analysis.