Design and characterization of a new approach for cannabidiol (CBD) delivery into the central nervous system: in vivo imaging of CBD nanoprobes

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa. It has possible therapeutic effects over a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although the mechanisms of these effects are still far from clear, they may involve its neuroprotective properties and different receptors. Of note, the dose range related to CBD effects may vary from species, animal model and neuropsychiatric disorder studied. CBD also produces bell-shaped dose response curves and, its pharmacokinetics profile after oral administration is erratic. In the present project, we aimed at generating a pharmaceutical formulation that permit the study of the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and neurobiological profile of CBD when adsorbed in fluorescent nanoparticles (NP). We will trace CBD-fluorescent nanoparticles using different imaging techniques (in vivo optical imaging measurements-IVIS and micro-computed tomography- micro-CT), ex vivo light-sheet fluorescent and two-photon microscopy) and observe if microglial cells and peripheral monocyte would participate in the CBD delivery into the CNS of mice submitted in different animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. (AU)