title: The arguments for and against cannabinoids application in glaucomatous retinopathy.
abstract: Glaucoma represents several optic neuropathies leading to irreversible blindness through progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is known as the only modifiable factor in the treatment of this disorder. Application of exogenous cannabinoids to lower IOP has attracted attention of scientists as potential agents for the treatment of glaucoma. Accordingly, neuroprotective effect of these agents has been recently described through modulation of endocannabinoid system in the eye. In the present work, pertinent information regarding ocular endocannabinoid system, mechanism of exogenous cannabinoids interaction with the ocular endocannabinoid system to reduce IOP, and neuroprotection property of cannabinoids will be discussed according to current scientific literature. In addition to experimental studies, bioavailability of cannabinoids, clinical surveys, and adverse effects of application of cannabinoids in glaucoma will be reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Yunes
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Panahi
authors.affiliation: Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Azadeh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manayi
authors.affiliation: Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Marjan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nikan
authors.affiliation: Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: Vazirian_m@sina.tums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Mahdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vazirian
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents
keywords: Cannabis sativa; Endocannabinoid system; Glaucoma; Intraocular pressure; Marijuana; Neuroprotection