Source Paper
Cannabidiol attenuates seizures and social deficits in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Joshua S. Kaplan, Nephi Stella, William A. Catterall, Ruth E. Westenbroek
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences • 2017
View Abstract
Significance Medicinal cannabis use is booming despite limited preclinical evidence and mechanistic insight. Recent clinical trials of cannabidiol (CBD) in Dravet syndrome (DS) support its clinical efficacy for reduction of seizure frequency and invite study of its benefits for additional DS symptoms. We demonstrate here that treatment with CBD is beneficial for seizure frequency, duration, and severity and for autistic-like social deficits in a mouse model of DS. CBD rescue of DS symptoms is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, potentially mediated by antagonism of the lipid-activated G protein-coupled receptor GPR55. These studies lend critical support for treatment of seizures in DS with CBD, extend the scope of CBD treatment to autistic-like behaviors, and provide initial mechanistic insights into CBD’s therapeutic actions.
Social Interaction Test
Objective: Assessment of autistic-like social interaction deficits in Dravet syndrome mice to evaluate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on social behavior
Protocol Steps
Social Interaction Test Assessment
Evaluation of autistic-like social interaction deficits in Dravet syndrome mice
Note: Test was used to measure social behavior deficits in DS mice and to assess the effects of CBD treatment on social interaction
View evidence from paper
“Treatment with lower doses of CBD also improved autistic-like social interaction deficits in DS mice.”