Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cannabinoid receptor changes in the hippocampus of dogs with epilepsy
By D. Kostic et al.·Published in Scientific Reports·2023·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Hippocampal expression of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in canine epilepsy
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs with epilepsy may have different levels of a specific receptor in their brains that could affect how well they respond to treatment. In dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (where the cause is unknown), there was a significant decrease in the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. In contrast, dogs with structural epilepsy (where there is a known cause) showed an increase in CB1R levels. Understanding these differences could help veterinarians develop better treatments using cannabinoids for dogs suffering from seizures.
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Abstract
Abstract Canine drug-resistant epilepsy is a prevailing issue in veterinary neurology. Alternative or additional treatment with cannabinoids is showing promising results in seizure management. A crucial component of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), is heavily involved in the control of neurotransmitter release. Knowledge of its distribution in the epileptic brain would serve a better understanding of disease pathology and application of cannabinoids in dogs with epilepsy. CB1R distribution was assessed in sub-regions of hippocampus of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy and without cerebral pathology. In dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, significantly decreased CB1R expression compared to control animals was observed in CA1. In dogs with structural epilepsy, a significant increase in CB1R signal intensity in comparison to controls was observed. CB1R expression was higher in the structural group as compared to the idiopathic. Double immunofluorescence showed co-localization between CB1R and an astrocytic marker in about 50% of cells, regardless of the diagnosis. In summary, CB1R expression in canine hippocampus undergoes modification by the epileptic process and the direction of this change depends on the etiology of the disease. The distinct disease-associated CB1R expression needs to be considered in new treatment development for dogs with epilepsy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29868-3