A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the In Vivo Haemodynamic Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
1
Division of Medical Sciences & Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
2
Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pharmaceuticals 2018, 11(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11010013
Received: 4 December 2017 / Revised: 25 January 2018 / Accepted: 26 January 2018 / Published: 31 January 2018
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cannabinoids as Medicines)
∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has complex effects on the cardiovascular system. We aimed to systematically review studies of THC and haemodynamic alterations. PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies. Changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and blood flow (BF) were analysed using the Cochrane Review Manager Software. Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. Fourteen publications assessed BP (number, n = 541), 22 HR (n = 567), and 3 BF (n = 45). Acute THC dosing reduced BP and HR in anaesthetised animals (BP, mean difference (MD) −19.7 mmHg, p < 0.00001; HR, MD −53.49 bpm, p < 0.00001), conscious animals (BP, MD −12.3 mmHg, p = 0.0007; HR, MD −30.05 bpm, p < 0.00001), and animal models of stress or hypertension (BP, MD −61.37 mmHg, p = 0.03) and increased cerebral BF in murine stroke models (MD 32.35%, p < 0.00001). Chronic dosing increased BF in large arteries in anaesthetised animals (MD 21.95 mL/min, p = 0.05) and reduced BP in models of stress or hypertension (MD −22.09 mmHg, p < 0.00001). In humans, acute administration increased HR (MD 8.16 bpm, p < 0.00001). THC acts differently according to species and experimental conditions, causing bradycardia, hypotension and increased BF in animals; and causing increased HR in humans. Data is limited, and further studies assessing THC-induced haemodynamic changes in humans should be considered.
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Keywords:
∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol; THC; cardiovascular system; blood pressure; heart rate; blood flow
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MDPI and ACS Style
Sultan, S.R.; Millar, S.A.; O’Sullivan, S.E.; England, T.J. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the In Vivo Haemodynamic Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmaceuticals 2018, 11, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11010013
AMA Style
Sultan SR, Millar SA, O’Sullivan SE, England TJ. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the In Vivo Haemodynamic Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmaceuticals. 2018; 11(1):13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11010013
Chicago/Turabian StyleSultan, Salahaden R.; Millar, Sophie A.; O’Sullivan, Saoirse E.; England, Timothy J. 2018. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the In Vivo Haemodynamic Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol" Pharmaceuticals 11, no. 1: 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11010013
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