Cannabidiol exerts teratogenic effects on developing zebrafish through the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT: The increasing legalization and decriminalization of cannabis for therapeutic and recreational purposes in various regions have influenced public perceptions and attitudes toward cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products, including their use during pregnancy. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effect of CBD on fetal development, and the mechanisms by which CBD induces developmental deficits have not been well studied. In this study, we investigated whether the teratogenic effects of CBD on developing zebrafish are mediated through Sonic hedgehog signaling (Shh), a critical pathway in development. Embryonic exposure to CBD reduced hatching and survival rates and suppressed Shh pathway activity, leading to decreased ptch2 expression-a regulatory receptor expressed in response to Shh

SUBMITTER: Razmara P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12032106 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature