Cannabidiol: Anti-inflammatory and Anti-resorptive Effect on Induced Periapical Lesions in Rats and Associated Effects

• Grant number: 24/15061-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Fabiane Carneiro Lopes Olhê
• Grantee: Gabrielle Jacob
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Infection of the root canal system, when not reversed by appropriate therapies, can culminate in pulp necrosis, resulting in periapical injury, and consequent bone destruction. Cannabinoids, which have therapeutic potential for the treatment of dental conditions, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in addition to being effective as anxiolytics, antinociceptives and acting in various psychological conditions. In this context, the objective of the present study will be to investigate the effects of systemically administered cannabidiol on the evolution of periapical lesions in terms of inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimentally induced periapical lesions. The aim of the present study will be to investigate the effects of systemically administered cannabidiol on inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimentally induced periapical lesions. Forty male Wistar Hannover rats will be divided equally into five groups, G1: SHAM, G2: Control + CBD, G3: Periapical Lesion + Vehicle, G4: Periapical Lesion + CBD (dose of 5 mg kg -1) and G5: Periapical Lesion + CBD (dose of 15 mg kg -1). The pulp chambers of the lower first molars will be exposed to the oral environment to induce experimental periapical lesions in groups G3, G4 and G5. Groups G4 and G5 will receive daily intraperitoneal injections of cannabidiol at doses of 5 and 15 mg kg-1, respectively. The animals will be subjected to the Von Frey test and the Elevated Cross Maze test on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 for behavioral analysis. After 21 days, the animals will be euthanized and the jaws will be dissected and prepared for radiographic, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Data will be analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis (for non-parametric data) and one-way ANOVA tests (for parametric data) (P < 0.05).