Features of the histological structure and morphometric parameters of the rat liver microcirculatory vessels on day 42 of experimental exposure to cannabidiol oil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.2.73-81

Keywords:

Cannabidiol, CBD, rats, liver, microcirculation, histology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry

Abstract

Background. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid compound found in the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, and exhibits neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipain, antibacterial, analgesic and antiepileptic properties. In addition to the existing positive effects of CBD, scientific literature presents the results of experimental studies and clinical trials that demonstrate neurological, cardiovascular, reproductive toxicity after long-term use of CBD. Studies of hepatotoxicity are also very important. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of CBD on the structure and function of the liver, to establish the nature and severity of possible liver damage, in particular the microcirculation bed, and the features of hemodynamics to determine the safety of cannabidiol use. Objective: to study the features of the histological structure and morphometric parameters of the vessels of the liver microcirculatory vessels of rats on the 42nd day of experimental exposure to 10% cannabidiol oil. Methods. Experimental studies were conducted on 20 sexually mature white nonlinear male rats weighing 180-230 g, aged 5-7 months at the beginning of the experiment. The experimental group consisted of 14 rats, which were administered 10% CBD oil (dose 10 mg/kg/day) orally once daily for six weeks. The control group consisted of 6 sexually mature white male rats. The animals were kept, cared for, fed, labeled, experimented and euthanized in accordance with the requirements of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (Strasbourg, 1986), Council Directive 2010/63/EU, and Law of Ukraine No. 3447-IV “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty”, ethical requirements according to the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 231 dated 01. 11. 2000 (Protocol No. 7 dated August 29, 2022). The material for the study was liver tissue. We conducted histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric studies of the vessels of the liver microcirculatory bed. For the study of endothelium, immunohistochemical examination was performed using monoclonal antibodies to CD31 (Clone JC70A, Thermo Fisher scientific) with appropriate control and visualization using a detection system with diaminobenzidine chromogen. For quantitative analysis, we performed a morphometric study of the liver microcirculatory bed using Aperio ImageScope v12.3.3 software (Leica biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Statistical calculations were performed. The significance of the difference between the parameters of the study and control groups was checked by the Mann-Whitney p(U) test and Pearson p(χ2) test. The difference was considered statistically significant at a minimum significance level of p<0.05. Results. As a result of histological and immunohistochemical examination of the vessels of the liver microcirculatory bed, it was found that their structural microscopic organization had no pathological changes under experimental exposure to 10% CBD oil at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks as a dietary supplement to the standard diet. Morphometric analysis of the vessels of the liver microcirculatory bed on day 42 of experimental exposure to CBD oil showed no statistically significant changes in the mean diameters of the interlobular artery, portal, collecting and sublobular veins compared to the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion. The results of a comprehensive study of the liver's microcirculatory system after 6 weeks of experimental exposure to CBD indicate the safety of using 10% CBD oil at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day.

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Published

2025-07-30

How to Cite

Shevchuk , M. (2025). Features of the histological structure and morphometric parameters of the rat liver microcirculatory vessels on day 42 of experimental exposure to cannabidiol oil. Морфологія / Morphologia / Morfologìâ, 19(2), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.2.73-81

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Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025)

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