Marihuana-derived material: biochemical studies of the ocular responses

Some biochemical factors of the iris-ciliary body of the rabbit have been examined for effects induced by water-soluble marihuana-derived material (MDM). Adenylate cyclase activity and sensitivity to β-adrenergic agonists were unchanged, as measured 4 hours after MDM administration in vivo. Magnesium-dependent and anion-sensitive, but not sodium-potassium, ATPase activities were inhibited 6 hours after MDM administration in vivo, although they were unaffected by in vitro incubation. Topical administration of a potent substance P antagonist had no effect on the time course or magnitude of intravenous MDM-induced ocular effects in rabbit. Intravenously administered sugars antagonized the effects of MDM on intraocular pressure. A variety of drugs which display a range of biochemical effects varying from beta-adrenergic receptor agonism, to alteration of glycoprotein residues were employed. None of the agents employed, ranging from cAMP modifiers to protein synthesis blockers, had any effect on the MDM-induce...