Effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on intraocular pressure in humans.
As early as 1971, it was noted that smoking marijuana lowered intraocular pressure. In this study one of the active components of marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, was given intravenously to ten subjects with normal intraocular pressures. Two strengths were used--0.022 mg/kg of body weight and 0.044 mg/kg of body weight. Intraocular pressure was found to decrease as much as 51% of baseline normal with an average decrease of 37%. Heart rate increased in a range of 22% and 65% of the resting pulse. Respiratory rate was not affected. No analgesic properties were demonstrated by either cutaneous or periosteal stimulation. Anxiety levels were increased by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol over placebo and diazepam (Valium). The mechanism of action is still uncertain but it is believed by some workers to be similar to that of a beta-adrenergic stimulator.
D000698:Analgesia; D001007:Anxiety; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005059:Euphoria; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos
D010919:Placebos; D013759:Dronabinol; D003975:Diazepam