Acute oral cannabidiolic acid methyl ester reduces depression-like behavior in two genetic animal models of depression

D. Hen-Shoval, S. Amar, L. Shbiro, R. Smoum, Christeene G. Haj, R. Mechoulam, G. Zalsman, A. Weller, G. Shoval*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and purpose: Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester (HU-580) was recently shown to reduce stress-induced anxiety-like behavior in rats. The aim of this study was to examine the antidepressant effect of HU-580 in two different rat models of depression. Experimental approach: Using the forced swim test (FST), we evaluated the effect of HU-580 in 43 Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and 23 Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) adult male rats. Key results: 1 mg/kg HU-580 reduced immobility and increased swimming in WKY rats, compared to vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.05). This dose exerted similar effects in FSL rats (p < 0.05). Conclusion and implications: This is the first report of antidepressant efficacy of HU-580. These findings expand the very limited existent results, suggesting that HU-580 is a potent anxiolytic agent. Taken together with its chemical stability, HU-580 emerges as a candidate for a future antidepressant medication.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-3
Number of pages3
JournalBehavioural Brain Research
Volume351
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018

Keywords

  • Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester
  • Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL)
  • Forced swim test (FST)
  • Genetic animal models of depression
  • Major depression disorder (MDD)
  • Wistar–Kyoto (WKY)

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