Cannabis Reseach for Cannabis Research for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.
In some people, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one or both eyes. As Age-Related Macular Degeneration progresses, a blurred area near the center of vision is a common symptom. Over time, the blurred area may grow larger or you may develop blank spots in your central vision. Objects also may not appear to be as bright as they used to be.
AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness, with no ability to see. However, the loss of central vision in Age-Related Macular Degeneration can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house. — National Eye Institute
Below is a Library of Cannabis Research Studies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
The Endocannabinoid System in the Vervet Monkey Retina
InterTech Open | 2018Abstract: “The main active compound found in the marijuana plant, tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for its psychotropic effects but also for its numerous beneficial actions such as appetite stimulation, nausea reduction, analgesia, and muscle spasm suppressor. Although cannabis consumption leads to some visual disturbances, the exact role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in normal vision is still unknown. Many studies have looked into the localization of this complex system (receptors, ligands, and enzymes) throughout the various components of the visual system of different animal models in order to obtain clues about its role. In fact, the retina, optic nerve, dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, and visual cortices all express parts of the ECS. Manipulating this system pharmacologically or genetically has also an impact on visual function. In this book chapter, we provide the current understanding of how the ECS is involved in the functioning of the visual system and special emphasis is put on data obtained in monkeys, representing the most relevant animal model for visual neuroscience research. The mechanisms that control endocannabinoid (eCB) release and activation of cannabinoid receptors are discussed. We also propose a model highlighting the mechanisms involved in the regulation of photopic and scotopic vision taking advantage of the spatial specificity of the eCB signaling system and its physiological activation conditions” — Study
Changes In Endocannabinoid And Palmitoylethanolamide Levels In Eye Tissues Of Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy And Age-related Macular Degeneration
PLEFA | December 2016Abstract: “Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoids (anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine—AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)), as well as the AEA congener, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), are involved in ocular physiology. We measured endocannabinoid and PEA levels by isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis in post-mortem eye tissues of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In eyes with DR, significantly enhanced levels of AEA were found in the retina (∼1.8-fold), ciliary body (∼1.5-fold) and, to a lesser extent, cornea (∼1.3-fold). Surprisingly, 2-AG levels were significantly higher (∼3-fold) only in the iris, whereas PEA levels only slightly increased (∼1.3-fold) in the ciliary body. In eyes with AMD, significantly enhanced levels of AEA were found in the choroid (∼1.3-fold), ciliary body (∼1.4-fold) and cornea (∼1.4-fold), whereas in the retina only a trend towards an increase (∼1.5-fold) was observed. The tissue- and disease-selective nature of the changes observed suggests that the compounds analyzed here may play different roles in the control of eye function under different pathological conditions.” — Study
Presence And Regulation Of Cannabinoid Receptors In Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Molecular Vision | June 2009Abstract: “Cannabinoid receptors have been detected in neuron cells and proposed as potential therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative disorders because of their involvement in controlling neural cell survival and death. However, their presence and role in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which play a key role in initiating and developing age related macular degeneration (ARMD), have never been investigated. Here we analyzed the expression of and changes in cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and one enzyme responsible for endocannabinoid hydrolysis, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), in RPE cell oxidative damage process, a cellular model of ARMD…By using real time RT–PCR, immunofluorescent staining and western blot methods, we showed that human RPE cells express CB1, CB2, and FAAH. Meanwhile, oxidative stress can upregulate CB1 and CB2 receptor expression, and downregulate FAAH expression. The CB1/CB2 receptor agonist, CP55,940, and the CB2 receptor agonist, JWH015 significantly protected RPE cells from oxidative damage. In addition, CP55,940 significantly reduced the levels of intracellular ROS, strengthened oxidative stress-induced activation of PI3K/Akt and reduced activation of the ERK1/2 signal pathway…The results demonstrate the expression and regulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors and FAAH in human RPE cells. The modulation of cannabinoid receptor tone warrants consideration for future therapeutic strategies of ARMD.” — Study
Cannabis Research Library
Over 1000 studies covering over 130 topics compiled for easy browsing.