CBD reversed the increased pain sensitivity caused by experimental parkinsonism in mice, with effects involving CB1 and TRPV1 receptors and potentially mediated through increased anandamide levels.
Parkinson's disease researchers, pain pharmacologists, CBD researchers
Both acute and chronic CBD reversed Parkinson's-related pain hypersensitivity in mice
What the researchers found
The Parkinson's model (6-OHDA) decreased thermal and mechanical pain thresholds. Both acute and chronic CBD treatment reversed this hyperalgesia and allodynia. CBD's pain-relieving effect was potentiated by a FAAH inhibitor and TRPV1 antagonist, and blocked by CB1/CB2 inverse agonist, suggesting CBD increases endogenous anandamide levels.
Why it matters
Pain is a prevalent but undertreated non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. CBD could offer a targeted approach if its mechanisms in this context are understood.
The numbers in context
6-OHDA model decreased both thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds. Acute and chronic CBD reversed both hyperalgesia and allodynia. FAAH inhibitor and TRPV1 antagonist potentiated CBD; CB1/CB2 inverse agonist blocked it.
How the study worked
Mouse model of Parkinson's (6-hydroxydopamine lesion). CBD administered acutely or chronically. Co-administration studies with FAAH inhibitor, TRPV1 antagonist, and CB1/CB2 inverse agonist to elucidate mechanisms.
What this study cannot tell us
Mouse model; 6-OHDA is a toxic model that does not fully recapitulate human Parkinson's; CBD doses used may not translate directly to human dosing; mechanism studies used pharmacological tools with potential off-target effects.
How to read the evidence
Single animal study with mechanistic dissection; 6-OHDA model has limitations for translating to human PD.
When this study was published
Published in 2020.
The bigger picture
Pain affects the majority of Parkinson's patients but has no specific pharmacotherapy. CBD's ability to restore normal pain sensitivity in this model identifies it as a candidate for further development.
Questions still open
- Would CBD reduce pain in Parkinson's patients? Does the anandamide-mediated mechanism suggest FAAH inhibitors could complement CBD for PD pain?
Common questions
Can CBD help with Parkinson's pain?
How does CBD reduce pain in this model?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol increases the nociceptive threshold in a preclinical model of Parkinson's disease.
Neuropharmacology, 163, 107808
Citation
Crivelaro do Nascimento, Glauce; Ferrari, Daniele Pereira; Guimaraes, Francisco Silveira; Del Bel, Elaine Aparecida; Bortolanza, Mariza; Ferreira-Junior, Nilson Carlos. (2020). Cannabidiol increases the nociceptive threshold in a preclinical model of Parkinson's disease.. Neuropharmacology, 163, 107808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107808
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