New Study Finds Cannabis May Reduce Damage Caused by Infant Brain Hemorrhages
A new study published in
the journal Brain Research, and published online by the National Institute of Health, has found that cannabis may reduce damage caused by germinal matrix hemorrhages (GMH), which is “one of the most common and devastating cerebrovascular events that affect premature infants, resulting in a significant socioeconomic burden”, according to the study’s researchers.
Despite its large impact on society, researchers note that; “GMH has been largely unpreventable, and clinical treatments are mostly inadequate. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that JWH133, a selective CB2 receptor agonist [meant to mimic the effects of cannabis] could attenuate brain injury and neurological deficits in a clostridial collagenase VII induced GMH model in seven-day-old (P7) S-D rat pups.”
Researchers found that when administrated an hour after a brain hemorrhage, the CB2 receptor agonist “significantly attenuated brain edema at 24h post-GMH, which was reversed by a selective CB2R antagonist, SR144528 (3mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). Long-term brain morphology and neurofunctional outcomes were also improved.”
The study concludes; “This current study suggests a potential clinical utility for CB2R agonists as a potential therapy to reduce neurological injury and improve patient outcomes after GMH.”
The study can be found by clicking here.
– TheJointBlog