Cannabidiol improves survival and behavioural co-morbidities of Dravet syndrome in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Dravet syndrome is a severe, genetic form of paediatric epilepsy associated with premature mortality and co-morbidities such as anxiety, depression, autism, motor dysfunction and memory deficits. Cannabidiol is an approved anticonvulsive drug in the United States and Europe for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. We investigated its potential to prevent premature mortality and improve associated co-morbidities.

Experimental approach

The efficacy of sub-chronic cannabidiol administration in two mouse models of Dravet syndrome was investigated. The effect of cannabidiol on neonatal welfare and survival was studied using Scn1a^-/- mice. We then used a hybrid, heterozygote Scn1a^+/- mouse model

SUBMITTER: Patra PH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7236080 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature