Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

Abstract Background Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over past few years. Aim Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate effects acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on brain, liver, heart, testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination light microscope immunohistochemistry. Methods Total number fifty were divided into five different groups, two control three treated groups. Negative positive received distilled water dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, group LD 50 (lethal dose 50) once observed for 14 days, 1/10 3 months, finally withdrawal months then left 2 weeks without substance observe manifestations. Results The current revealed various changes all organs with increased expression receptor 1. most important findings shrinkage degenerative Purkinje cells brain sections, abnormalities blood sinusoids architecture liver section, disruption cardiac muscle fiber heart showed irregularities seminiferous tubules germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining caspase-3 weak-positive reaction a strong Additionally, increase collagen was sections group. Conclusions sample caused adverse as shown increasing 1 expression.