The Main Therapeutic Applications of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Potential Effects on Aging with Respect to Alzheimer's Disease.

The use of cannabinoids (substances contained specifically in hemp plants) for therapeutic purposes has received increased attention in recent years. Presently, attention is paid to two main cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). With respect to the psychotropic effects and dependence potential of THC (though it is very mild), its use is associated with certain restrictions, and thus the therapeutic properties of CBD are frequently emphasized because there are no limitations associated with the risk of dependence.

Cannabidiol and the possibilities of its use in veterinary medicine of dogs and horses: A brief review.

In connection with the use of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes in human medicine, there is increased attention for their use in veterinary medicine, particularly by the owners of companion animals and horses. Therefore, veterinarians are expected to face this interest and have the corresponding knowledge on these substances. Presently, it is not possible to use medical marijuana (in terms of the dried cannabis flowers) for veterinary purposes in many countries, but there is increasing evidence that isolated cannabinoids also have beneficial effects (namely cannabidiol - CBD).

Medical cannabis in the treatment of cancer pain and spastic conditions and options of drug delivery in clinical practice.

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has been recently legalised in many countries including the Czech Republic. As a result, there is increased interest on the part of physicians and patients in many aspects of its application. This mini review briefly covers the main active substances of the cannabis plant and mechanisms of action.

Implication of NMDA receptors in behavioural sensitization to psychostimulants: a short review.

Repeated administration of psychostimulants and other dependence-producing substances induces a substantial increase in behavioural responses, a phenomenon termed as behavioural sensitization. An increased response to the tested drug elicited by previous repeated administration of a different drug is called cross-sensitization. Behavioural sensitization is considered to be a relapse trigger in dependent subjects and animals sensitized by repeated administration of drugs of abuse, thus being considered a suitable model of craving, which is one of the very characteristic features of substance addiction.

Altered dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNA expression in mesencephalon from mice exposed to repeated treatments with methamphetamine and cannabinoid CB1 agonist methanandamide.

Objectives: In our previous studies we found that both acute administration of CB1 receptor agonist methanandamide and repeated methanandamide pre-treatment prior to methamphetamine challenge dose elicited increase in the CB1 receptor mRNA expression in the mouse mesencephalon. As a reciprocal cross-talk is reported between the cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine receptors, that are highly co-localized on brain neurones, we targeted possible changes in relative expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNA in mesencephalon in mice sensitized by repeated treatments to methamphetamine stimulatory effects and cross-sensitized to methamphetamine by cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist methanandamide pre-treatment.

Methods: To confirm development of behavioural sensitization or cross-sensitization, respectively, we observed changes in locomotion using the open field test.

Could piracetam potentiate behavioural effects of psychostimulants?

Press and internet reports mention abuse of nootropic drug piracetam (PIR) in combination with psychostimulants methamphetamine (MET) or 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). These combinations are believed to produce more profound desirable effects, while decreasing hangover. However, there is a lack of valid experimental studies on such drug-drug interactions in the scientific literature available.

Altered cannabinoid CB1 receptor mRNA expression in mesencephalon from mice exposed to repeated methamphetamine and methanandamide treatments.

Objectives: Since among others also our previous studies suggested an interaction between the endocannabinoid system and methamphetamine brain mechanisms we focused on possible changes in relative expression of cannabinoid CB1 receptor mRNA in mesencephalon from mice sensitized by repeated treatments to methamphetamine stimulatory effects and cross-sensitized by cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist methanandamide pre-treatment.

Methods: The Open Field Test was used to measure changes in terms of behavioural sensitization or cross-sensitization to drug effects on locomotion in male mice treated repeatedly with either methamphetamine or methamphetamine after pre-treatment with methanandamide. After each measurement one third of animals were sacrificed and the brain was stored.

Impact of cannabinoid receptor ligands on behavioural sensitization to antiaggressive methamphetamine effects in the model of mouse agonistic behaviour.

Objectives: Psychostimulants and cannabinoids can elicit so called behavioural sensitization after repeated administration, a gradually increased behavioural response to a drug. This phenomenon if conditioned by previous pre-treatment with different drug is termed cross-sensitization. The present study was focused on a possible sensitisation to antiaggressive effect of methamphetamine and cross-sensitization to this effect after repeated pre-treatment with cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands with different intrinsic activity (CB1 agonist methanandamide, CB2 agonist JWH 015, and CB1 antagonist AM 251).

Involvement of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor activity in the development of behavioural sensitization to methamphetamine effects in mice.

Objectives: An increased behavioural response ("behavioural sensitization") to drugs of abuse occurs after repeated treatment. In the present study the possibility of cross-sensitization existence between various cannabinoid receptor ligands--CB1 agonist methanandamide, CB2 agonist JWH 015, and CB1 antagonist AM 251 with methamphetamine was explored.

Methods: Locomotion in the open field was measured in naive mice and in those pre-treated acutely and repeatedly (for 8 days), respectively, with either vehicle or tested drugs.