Intrahypothalamic injection of cannabidiol increases the extracellular levels of adenosine in nucleus accumbens in rats.

Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD) is a constituent of Cannabis sativa that promotes wakefulness as well as enhances endogenous levels of wake-related neurotransmitters, including dopamine. However, at this date, the effects of CBD on the sleep-inducing molecules, such as adenosine (AD), are unknown. Here, we report that intrahypothalamic injection of CBD (10 μg/1 μL) increases the extracellular levels of AD collected from nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic of this drug shows that effects on the contents of AD last 2 h post-injection. These preliminary findings suggest that CBD promotes the endogenous accumulation of AD.