A new study that was conducted by researchers from the Department of Physiology and Neuroscience at NYU Langone Health has shown that CBD is able to control seizures by blocking lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) molecules. This prevents the molecules from boosting nerve signals in the hippocampus which could cause seizures. This new finding supports previous research in the use of CBD in managing treatment-resistant childhood epilepsy.
The researchers used several rodent models to investigate the role of LPI molecules in seizures and were able to establish that LPI affects the communication between brain cells involved in seizures. They later introduced CBD to genetically engineered mice before a seizure and found that it inhibits a “positive feedback loop” where seizures would increase LPI signaling and that would in turn increase seizures and the process repeats. Breaking this positive feedback loop helps to reduce seizure frequency.
It is widely accepted that THC exerts most of its effects through its interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as an agonist at both receptors but with a higher affinity for the latter. But when it comes to cannabidiol (CBD), there’s been a lot of controversy as the compound has weak affinity for both receptors. Consequently, other pathways outside of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have been postulated.
This new study has helped to shed light on an important CBD pathway and sets the pace for future research on how CBD can offer relief for other conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
