Comparison of Cardioprotective Potential of Cannabidiol and β-Adrenergic Stimulation Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Rat Atria and Ventricular Papillary Muscles.

Background: Hypoxia is one of the most significant pathogenic factors in cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies suggest that nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and β-adrenoceptor stimulation might possess cardioprotective potential against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The current study evaluates the influence of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) on the function of atria and ventricular papillary muscles in the presence of CBD and the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (ISO).

Methods: The concentration curves for ISO were constructed in the presence of CBD (1 µM) before or after H/R. In chronic experiments (CBD 10 mg/kg, 14 days), the left atria isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and their normotensive control (WKY) rats were subjected to H/R following ISO administration.

Results: Hypoxia decreased the rate and force of contractions in all compartments. The right atria were the most resistant to hypoxia regardless of prior β-adrenergic stimulation. Previous β-adrenergic stimulation improved recovery in isolated left atria and right (but not left) papillary muscles. Acute (but not chronic) CBD administration increased the effects of ISO in left atria and right (but not left) papillary muscles. Hypertension accelerates left atrial recovery during reoxygenation.

Conclusions: H/R directly modifies the function of particular cardiac compartments in a manner dependent on cardiac region and β-adrenergic prestimulation. The moderate direct cardioprotective potential of CBD and β-adrenergic stimulation against H/R is dependent on the cardiac region, and it is less than in the whole heart with preserved coronary flow. In clinical terms, our research expands the existing knowledge about the impact of cannabidiol on cardiac ischemia, the world's leading cause of death.