Effects of water-soluble marihuana-derived material (MDM) on the rabbit ciliary body: light and electron microscopy

The response of the ciliary processes of the rabbit eye to water-soluble marihuana-derived material (MDM) has been examined with light and electron microscopy. Following intravenous injection of MDM, the processes undergo considerable swelling within 1 hour followed by thrombus formation in the capillaries and extravasation of red cells. Later phases include the formation of cysts between the non-pigmented and pigmented cell layers of the ciliary epithelium. The ciliary process edema coincides with the initial hypertensive phase seen after intravenous MDM, while the hematogenous response coincides with the fall in intraocular pressure. Following intravitreal injection of MDM, a similar pattern of structural changes occurs that accompanies a fall in intraocular pressure that lasts for several days; because the physiological response occurs over a longer time course (14-20 hours) relative to intravenous administration where the intraocular pressure changes occur rapidly, the ciliary process swelling phase does not result in an increase in intraocular pressure. The physiologic changes in the eye caused by MDM appear to be related to the induction of a general inflammatory response in the ciliary processes, with a primary effect on the vascular system.