In the study, ALS mouse models were given either the marijuana compound THC, the marijuana compound cannabidiol, cannabidiol plus THC, or a placebo daily following the onset of disease signs. The researchers measured disease progression by testing how long the mice could stand on a slowly rotating rod. The more severe their nerve cell degeneration, the less time the mice can balance on the rod. In addition, two conditions of ALS, the loss of movement ability and survival time, were analyzed using a mathematical model.
"We found that treatment with THC delayed disease progression by seven days and extended survival by six days in the mouse model," says Abood. "This corresponds to three years in human terms."
Results also indicate that the combination of THC and cannabidiol further delays disease progression. Treatment with cannabidiol alone, however, had no effect.
Another part of the study determined that the marijuana compounds create their benefits by reducing two molecular processes, known as oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity. These processes have been implicated in ALS and are thought to harm nerve cells.
As a next step, the researchers will further decipher the mechanisms of action of THC and cannabidiol.
Another animal study also indicates that a marijuana-like compound can protect brain cells from the damage produced by the disorder Parkinson's disease.
"For the first time, our research shows the neuroprotective value of marijuana-like compounds in a well-established animal model of Parkinson's disease," says study author Andrea Giuffrida, PhD, of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Parkinson's afflicts some 1 million Americ
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Contact: Leah Ariniello
dawn@sfn.org
202-462-6688
Society for Neuroscience
26-Oct-2004