Researchers from Imperial College London
are looking for volunteers to test whether cannabinoids, the active ingredient
of cannabis, can be used to alleviate the sensation of breathlessness
caused by illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The team are looking for volunteers aged between 50 and 70, who dont
have breathing difficulties.
Dr. Elspeth Pickering , clinical research fellow, from Imperial College
London and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, says:
" Despite the
best efforts of scientists for many years, no one has been able to
develop a way to deal with the sensation of breathlessness without
suppressing the drive to breathe. Breathlessness can have a major impact
on the quality of life for patients with respiratory diseases, and
by using a cannabinoid, we hope to find a way to block the mechanism
which causes it."
The researchers believe the cannabinoids could be used to reduce the
sensation of breathlessness without depressing the respiratory system.
The study will take a morning on two different days, during which time
volunteers will be hooked up to a circuit to regulate and measure their
breathing. Carbon dioxide will be added to the air breathed by the volunteers,
causing the sensation of breathlessness. This is a safe method of simulating
breathlessness as the body naturally produces carbon dioxide. Afterwards
the volunteers will be given a spray which includes tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, which researchers hope will
reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
Dr. Anita Holdcroft from Imperial College London and Chelsea and Westminster
Hospital, and study leader, adds:
"The special formulation of the
drug as a spray avoids the harmful effects of smoking cannabis. We hope
the drug will stop the sensation of breathlessness, potentially providing
a new way to deal with respiratory diseases."
The study will be conducted at Charing Cross Hospital in West London.
Volunteers will be paid for their time committed to the study. Volunteers
aged between 50 and 70 who don't have breathing difficulties and wish
to take part should call 020 8846 1234 ext. 7055 to register their interest.
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to inform visitors about current health issues, but not to endorse
any particular view or activity. Material in this news item
was first published by the Imperial College, London on 2nd September
2005. For further information, please visit
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