Neuroscience 2000 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 815.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | The central cannabinoid receptor gene CB1 encodes a functional protein in the ciliary body of the human eye. |
| Authors: |
Porcella, A.*1
; Maxia, C.2
; Gessa, G. L.1
; Pani, L.1
1Dpt Neurosci, Uni of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy 2Ospedale ôBrotzuö, Cagliari, Italy |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
D. Neurotransmitters, Modulators, Transporters, and Receptors - 54. Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
815. Cannabinoids: receptor structure and localization Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Thursday, November 9, 2000 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall G-J |
| Keywords: | MARIJUANA, GLAUCOMA, WIN 55-212,2, mRNA |
We used Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the expression of the central and peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB1 and CB2 respectively) mRNA and western blotting to show the presence of the CB1 protein in subregions of the human eye. We found that CB2 mRNA transcripts were undetectable, while the levels of CB1 mRNA were significantly expressed in the human retina (25.8% ± 2.46), ciliary body (210% ± 11.55) and iris (62.7% ± 5.94) when compared to those of the normalizing reference gene β2 microglobulin (β2m). The CB1 gene encodes a functional protein which is detected in its glycosylated (63 kDa) and unglycosylated (54 kDa) form in the same areas by a specific purified antibody raised against the amino terminus (residues 1-77) of the CB1 receptor. These results gave further strength to the proposed role of the CB1 receptor in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and sustained the proposed antiglaucoma properties of marijuana. To confirm that the CB1 peptide was functionally active, a double-blind vehicle controlled study was then undertaken to determine whether a synthetic CB1 receptor agonist: WIN 55-212,2 would show any effect on the IOP of human glaucoma resistant to conventional therapies. We found that the topical administration of either 10 or 25 mM WIN 55-212,2 promptly decreased IOP in all the patients treated (n= 8). A dose time response was rapidly evident, reaching its maximal effect after 1 hour. Taken together these data confirm a functional CB1 involvement in the regulation of the IOP, and suggest that CB1 receptor agonist deserve further research and development in clinical ophtalmology.
Supported by CNR
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2000 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2000. Online.
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