Cannabidiol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular changes and inflammation in the mouse brain: An intravital microscopy study

Background: the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (cbd) exhibits antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. the present study was designed to explore its effects in a mouse model of sepsis-related encephalitis by intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide (lps).methods: vascular responses of pial vessels were analyzed by intravital microscopy and inflammatory parameters measured by qrt-pcr.results: cbd prevented lps-induced arteriolar and venular vasodilation as well as leukocyte margination. in addition,cbd abolished lps-induced increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 expression as measured by quantitative real time pcr. the expression of the inducible-nitric oxide synthase was also reduced by cbd. finally,preservation of blood brain barrier integrity was also associated to the treatment with cbd.conclusions: these data highlight the antiinflammatory and vascular-stabilizing effects of cbd in endotoxic shock and suggest a possible beneficial effect of this natural cannabinoid. © 2011 ruiz-valdepeñas et al; licensee biomed central ltd.