Abstract

ZOZAYA ALDANA, Beatriz; MEDINA RODRIGUEZ, Isabel  and  TAMAYO PINEDA, Nirma. Cannabinoids and their possible use in the treatment of glaucoma. Rev Cubana Farm [online]. 2011, vol.45, n.3, pp.439-448. ISSN 0034-7515.

Although the Cannabis Sativa plant has been used since the most remote ancient times for medicinal purposes, one of its derivatives, marijuana, has become the most commonly used illegal drug in the world. Similarly, both Cannabis and the cannabinoids are used therapeutically in a small number of general neurological pathologies. Literature review was made to set forth the possible use of cannabinoids in the treatment of Glaucoma. To this end, t the available literature on the subject from January to September 2010 was taken into account. The cannabinoid´s antihypertensive occular effect has been found to decrease aqueous humor production, and to increase the excretion of aqueous humor through the trabeculary mesh and the route uveoscleral pathway. This effect is compatible with the high concentrations of rCB1 and rCB2 cannabinoid receptors found. Besides, tetrahydrocannabinol has proved to reduce the neurodegenerative effect in models of cerebral ischemia in rats and the beneficial effect of cannabinoids to reduce gluthamate excitotoxicity-mediated secondary degeneration associated with glaucoma. These findings about the beneficial effect of cannabinoids as ocular antihypertensives and its neuroprotective effect convey a hopeful message about the role they could play in the treatment of glaucoma; however, it would be necessary to perform further clinical trials to assess their applicability in our daily clinical practice for greater safety and efficiency.

Keywords : Cannabinoids; therapeutic use; Cannabinoids; pharmacology; Glaucoma; drug therapy; Glaucoma; pathology, Neuroprotective agents; pharmacology, Neuroprotective Agents; therapeutic use.

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