Cannabidiol activation of vagal afferent neurons requires TRPA1

Abstract

Cannabidiol is legal in many US states and is used as a panacea for a host of different symptoms; however, little research has been conducted on its cellular actions. The efficacy of CBD in clinical populations has been demonstrated for certain conditions, including some forms of epilepsy, depression, and anxiety, all of which can also be treated with vagal nerve stimulation. Our current work indicates that CBD has direct excitatory effects on vagal afferent neurons that are mediated by TRPA1, augmented by TRPV1, and attenuated following chronic exposure to cannabis vapor. Together, these findings detail a novel excitatory action of CBD at vagal afferent neurons that may contribute to the vagal mimetic effects of CBD and adaptation following chronic cannabis use.