Investigation into Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Preeclampsia in B6D2F1 Mice with Placenta Specific Human Transgene hsFLT1: A Research Protocol

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication that leaves the affected individual to choose between preterm delivery or risking death. These outcomes are far from ideal and the search for a better treatment is underway. Previous studies have implicated whole flower commercial cannabis use as a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia as well as other partum complications. However, commercial cannabis is high in Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and other psychoactive cannabinoids and low in cannabidiol. Therefore, it is imperative that the use of isolated CBD as a potential therapy is investigated. In this study novel mouse models of preeclampsia will be utilized to demonstrate the effect of cannabidiol on expecting mothers who are predisposed to preeclampsia. This will be demonstrated using B6D2F1 mice with placenta specific human transgene hsFLT1 to simulate preeclampsia. Cannabidiol will be introduced at different stages of gestation and symptoms of preeclampsia will be measured through blood pressure, protein urine content, and fetal mortality rate. The group with mice receiving cannabidiol prior to implantation are anticipated to show the lowest incidences of preeclampsia symptoms. With so many studies suggesting cannabidiol as a treatment method for a variety of the most dangerous symptoms of preeclampsia, it may be possible that cannabis will allow future mothers afflicted with Preeclampsia to bring their child to full-term.