Synthetic Cannabinoid JWH-018 Caused Heart Damage, Arrhythmias, and Infarction-Like Changes in Rats

Acute high-dose JWH-018 caused bradycardia and hypotension. Subacute high-dose increased heart rate while continuing to lower blood pressure. JWH-018 induced arrhythmias, conduction blocks, ischemic ECG changes, and prolonged QT intervals. Histopathology revealed myocardial infarction-like features including contraction bands and ischemic damage. Elevated pro-BNP indicated cardiac stress. JWH-018 and metabolites were detected directly in heart tissue.

Wistar albino rats divided into five groups: control, acute low-dose (0.5 mg/kg), acute high-dose (5 mg/kg), subacute low-dose (0.5 mg/kg for 14 days), and subacute high-dose (5 mg/kg for 14 days). Assessed via echocardiography, hemodynamics, ECG, histopathology, biochemical markers, and LC-MS/MS heart tissue analysis.

Synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to sudden cardiac deaths in humans but the mechanisms have been unclear. This study provides comprehensive evidence of dose- and duration-dependent cardiovascular toxicity, including direct detection of the compound in heart tissue.

This study reinforces that synthetic cannabinoids should not be considered safe alternatives to natural cannabis. The cardiovascular damage documented here, including potential for fatal arrhythmias and ischemic heart damage, aligns with clinical reports of young people experiencing heart attacks after synthetic cannabinoid use.

Rat cardiovascular physiology differs from humans. Doses may not correspond to human consumption patterns. JWH-018 is one of many synthetic cannabinoids with varying properties. Controlled laboratory exposure differs from real-world use patterns.