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Introduction
Since ancient times, Cannabis sativa has been used as a treatment of numerous ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders. The plant contains cannabinoids, such as Δ9-trans-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) (1), which can exert their effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors
(2). Recently, several studies have focused on the benefits of CBD in inflammatory disorders, but it remains unknown whether these effects also occur in porcine intestine (3). The non-transformed porcine intestinal epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 is an in vitro model to investigate barrier function of the
intestine and has recently been established for analyses of intestinal inflammation (4). Therefore, this study was performed to investigate molecular and functional effects of CBD on the intestinal epithelial permeability, using IPEC-J2 cells.
Methods
IPEC-J2 cells were seeded on permeable supports. For measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) an Epithelial Volt/Ohm Meter was employed. When the cells reached confluency, CBD was added apically to the cell culture inserts in different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20 or 40
μM). TEER was measured every hour for the first 8 h, and then again after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h.
Subsequently, cells were fixed for immunohistochemistry, and proteins were extracted for immunoblots. Data were compared by using one-way ANOVA and statistical significance was determined by Dunnett’s post hoc test. Statistical significance was assumed at values below p = 0.05.
Results
After 7 and 8 hours of incubation, 40 μM CBD resulted in higher TEER values compared to controls (**p< 0.01, n= 8). This functional change was in accordance with an increase of the expression of single tight junction proteins as observed in immunoblots and in immunohistochemical images.
Conclusion
The results show that CBD has a strengthening effect on epithelial barrier function of porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Further experiments may shed light on selectivity, signaling, and possibly beneficial effects on intestine in health and disease.