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- Title
Oxidative stress and cannabinoid receptor expression in type-2 diabetic rat pancreas following treatment with Δ<sup>9</sup>-THC.
- Authors
Coskun, Zeynep Mine; Bolkent, Sema
- Abstract
The objectives of study were (a) to determine alteration of feeding, glucose level and oxidative stress and (b) to investigate expression and localization of cannabinoid receptors in type-2 diabetic rat pancreas treated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, Δ9-THC, diabetes and diabetes + Δ9-THC groups. Diabetic rats were treated with a single dose of nicotinamide (85 mg/kg) 15 min before injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Δ9-THC was administered intraperitoneally at 3 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Body weights and blood glucose level of rats in all groups were measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. On day 15 after the Δ9-THC injections, pancreatic tissues were removed. Blood glucose levels and body weights of diabetic rats treated with Δ9-THC did not show statistically significant changes when compared with the diabetic animals on days 7, 14 and 21. Treatment with Δ9-THC significantly increased pancreas glutathione levels, enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in diabetes compared with non-treatment diabetes group. The cannabinoid 1 receptor was found in islets, whereas the cannabinoid 2 receptor was found in pancreatic ducts. Their localization in cells was both nuclear and cytoplasmic. We can suggest that Δ9-THC may be an important agent for the treatment of oxidative damages induced by diabetes. However, it must be supported with anti-hyperglycaemic agents. Furthermore, the present study for the first time emphasizes that Δ9-THC may improve pancreatic cells via cannabinoid receptors in diabetes. The aim of present study was to elucidate the effects of Δ9-THC, a natural cannabinoid receptor agonist, on the expression and localization of cannabinoid receptors, and oxidative stress statue in type-2 diabetic rat pancreas. Results demonstrate that the cannabinoid receptors are presented in both Langerhans islets and duct regions. The curative effects of Δ9-THC can be occurred via activation of cannabinoid receptors in diabetic rat pancreas. Moreover, it may provide a protective effect against oxidative damage induced by diabetes. Thus, it is suggested that Δ9-THC can be a candidate for therapeutic alternatives of diabetes symptoms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Publication
Cell Biochemistry & Function, 2014, Vol 32, Issue 7, p612
- ISSN
0263-6484
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/cbf.3058