Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, a stable synthetic analogue of cannabidiolic acid, can produce 5-HT receptor-mediated suppression of nausea and anxiety in rats.

Background And Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the abilities of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester (HU-580) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to enhance 5-HT receptor activation in vitro and produce 5-HT -mediated reductions in nausea and anxiety in vivo.

Experimental Approach: We investigated the effects of HU-580 and CBDA on (i) activation by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin of human 5-HT receptors in CHO cell membranes, using [ S]-GTPγS binding assays, (ii) gaping by rats in acute and anticipatory nausea models, and (iii) stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour, as indicated by exit time from the light compartment of a light-dark box of rats subjected 24 h earlier to six tone-paired foot shocks.

Key Results: HU-580 and CBDA increased the E of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin in vitro at 0.01-10 and 0.1-10 nM, respectively, and reduced signs of (i) acute nausea at 0.1 and 1 μg·kg i.p. and at 1 μg·kg i.p., respectively, and (ii) anticipatory nausea at 0.01 and 0.1 μg·kg , and at 0.1 μg·kg i.p. respectively. At 0.01 μg·kg , HU-580, but not CBDA, increased the time foot-shocked rats spent in the light compartment of a light-dark box. The anti-nausea and anti-anxiety effects of 0.01 or 0.1 μg·kg HU-580 were opposed by the 5-HT antagonist, WAY100635 (0.1 mg·kg i.p.).

Conclusions And Implications: HU-580 is more potent than CBDA at enhancing 5-HT receptor activation, and inhibiting signs of acute and anticipatory nausea, and anxiety. Consequently, HU-580 is a potential medicine for treating some nausea and anxiety disorders and possibly other disorders ameliorated by enhancement of 5-HT receptor activation.