Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracts from the cannabis plant can dramatically improve the health of children suffering from refractory epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome. These extracts typically contain cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid with well-documented anticonvulsant effects, but may also contain Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9) -THC). It is unclear whether the presence of Δ(9) -THC modulates the anticonvulsant efficacy of CBD. Here, we utilized the Scn1a(+/-) mouse model of Dravet syndrome to examine this question. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Scn1a(+/-) mice recapitulate core features of Dravet syndrome, including hyperthermia-induced seizures, early onset spontaneous seizures and sudden death. We assessed the effects on CBD and Δ(9) -THC alone, and in combination on hyperthermia-induced seizures, spontaneous seizures and premature mortality. KEY RESULTS: Administered alone, CBD (100 mg·kg(-1) i.p.) was anticonvulsant against hyperthermia-induced seizures as were low (0.1 and 0.3 mg·kg(-1) i.p.) but not higher doses of Δ(9) -THC. A subthreshold dose of CBD (12 mg·kg(-1) ) enhanced the anticonvulsant effects of Δ(9) -THC (0.1 mg·kg(-1) ). Sub-chronic oral administration of Δ(9) -THC or CBD alone did not affect spontaneous seizure frequency or mortality while, surprisingly, their co-administration increased the severity of spontaneous seizures and overall mortality. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Low doses of Δ(9) -THC are anticonvulsant against hyperthermia-induced seizures in Scn1a(+/-) mice, effects that are enhanced by a sub-anticonvulsant dose of CBD. However, proconvulsant effects and increased premature mortality are observed when CBD and Δ(9) -THC are sub-chronically dosed in combination. The possible explanations and implications of this are discussed.