The Endogenous Cannabinoid System Regulates Seizure Frequency and Duration

in a Model of Temporal Lobe EpilepsyA Summary

Introduction

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions (Hauser and Hesdorffer, 1990).

The primary objective of this study was to assess the cannabinoid1 receptor and the cannabinoid

system in controlling seizure activity in subjects with long-term epileptic seizures. Much

research has shown evidence that cannabinoid formulations have convulsant preventative

properties. However, these properties have not yet been tested in living individuals. Using rats,

this study shows that the properties of cannabis entirely does away with epileptic seizures. The

data observed in the study not only determined convulsant preventative properties but also

implied that the formulation of cannabis controls the end of seizures and their longevity through

the cannabinoid1 receptor.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats of a particular weight were used in agreement with the appropriate

care and protocols. The rats were given an epileptic inducing drug via injection called

pilocarpine (375 mg/kg). Rats that experienced seizures lasting thirty minutes or longer were

used in the study. The drug diazepam (5mg/kg) was used to stop the seizures following

assessment. Any rats that experienced seizures following six hours post-dose were euthanized.

Roughly 75% of the rats met the inclusion criteria of the seizure assessment. Only about 2% of

them were euthanized for seizures greater than six-hours, and 10% did not survive the treatment.
The seizures were monitored by an electroencephalographic (EEG) along with video at least

three months post-dose. Electrodes were placed on the rats skull surface via implant. The rats

were given at least one month to recover from the implant surgery. There were four rats given

the pilocarpine dose and four control rats that were dosed with saline.

Results

The cannbinoid1 receptor did, in fact, change the frequency of epileptic seizures in rats. The THC

entirely stopped the seizures experienced by the rats who were dosed with pilocarpine. The study

results also showed that even with the maximal dose of THC, the subjects did not show signs of

excessive sedation. The rats were conscious enough to move about in their cages; other

anticonvulsant preventative drugs were less effective compared to cannabis. Also, because the

characteristics of seizures can vary between animals, other animal subjects were included into

the study which yielded consistent results. However, while not permanent, it was observed that

there was a minor increase in seizure frequency once the cannabis was withdrawn from the

subjects. Given time, the animals did return to baseline.

Discussion

During the study, it was observed that cannabis plays a significant role in controlling epileptic

seizure activity. THC was successful in performing as an anticonvulsant in rat models with

epilepsy. The study results also showed that the cannabinoid1 receptor had a strong influence on

seizure activity. It is observed that some patients seeking treatment for epileptic seizures have

turned to the use of marijuana and have had perceived improvements; this has inspired other

countries to legalize the drug. However, the long-term use of marijuana is unknown at this time.
 Works Sited

Wallace, Blair, Falenski, Martin, DeLorenzo, October 2003, The Endogenous

Cannabinoid System Regulates Seizure Frequency and Duration in a Model of Temporal

Lobe Epilepsy, The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics,

Hauser, Hesdorffer, 1990, Epilepsy: Frequency, Causes and Consequences