COMPARISON OF THE ANTIOXIDANT AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF CANNABIDIOL WITH SYNTHETIC DRUGS IN AN ANIMAL MODEL FOR VALPROIC ACID-INDUCED AUTISM

Resumo

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, and intellectual disability. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant effects of cannabidiol extract with synthetic drugs (Risperidone, Aripiprazole and Fluoxetine) in an animal model for autism induced by valproic acid and confirm its possible improvement in the behavioral symptoms arising from the disorder and its lesser side effect.  Therefore, the animals received treatment with cannabidiol for 15 consecutive days orally (gavage) at doses of 60 mg/kg, with an interval of 24 hours between one treatment and another. Other groups received, respectively, Risperidone (0.1mg/kg), Aripiprazole (1.5mg/kg) and Fluoxetine (5mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days orally (gavage), following an interval of 24 hours between treatment and other. Twelve hours after the last treatment, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests of social interaction and repetitive behavior and subsequently sacrificed by decapitation with removal of the nervous tissue for analysis of oxidative stress. The behavioral variables (crossed squares; locomotion time; standing time) analyzed in the open field test did not present statistically significant differences as well the three chamber test. Comparing the results to the control group, both the autistic and the Risperidone and fluoxetine groups showed an increase in formation of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid levels. Regarding superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the autistic group showed a decrease in enzyme activity compared to the control group, and none of the synthetic drugs and cannabidiol alone altered SOD activity. Fluoxetine and CBD demonstrated a reversal of the reduction caused by autistic behavior on enzyme activity. There were no behavioral changes when comparing animals treated with CBD with those treated with synthetic drugs. Data suggests that CBD has better antioxidant action when compared to synthetic drugs.