Anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol derivatives in the elevated plus-maze

1. In order to assess the presence of anxiolytic properties in cannabidiol (CBD) derivatives HU-219, HU-252 and HU-261, these drugs were tested in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. 2. Additional groups received diazepam or CBD. HU-219 (0.03-1 mg/kg) and CBD (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of open arm entries without changing the total number of entries, an anxiolytic-like effect. 3. Both HU-252 and HU-261 increased the percentage of time spent in open arms and the total number of entries, but only at the dose of 1 mg/kg. 4. Diazepam (2.5 mg/kg) increased both the percentage of entries and time spent on open arms and the total number of entries. 5. The results confirm previous findings with CBD and indicate that its derivative HU-219 may possess a similar anxiolytic-like profile. 6. Results from HU-252 and HU-261 are less apparent and suggest that the compounds may increase general exploratory activity in a limited range of doses.