Effects of Marinol® on Retinal Hemodynamics in Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate effects of oral cannabinoids on retinal hemodynamics assessed by video angiography in healthy subjects. Methods: In a self experiment Dronabinol was administered orally (3 tablets of 2.5 mg Marinol®) in 8 healthy medical doctors. At baseline and 2 hours after Marinol® intake intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured and retinal hemodynamics was assessed by video fluorescein angiography using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Further analysis was performed masked in the digital video frames. The arteriovenous passage time (AVP) was measured based on dye dilution curves of temporal superior and inferior arteries and veins. Results: Marinol® resulted in a small, but significant decrease of IOP (baseline 12.9 ± 1.7, final IOP 12.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.0015). The mean of AVP of superior and inferior vessels decreased from 1.68 s ± 0.43 to 1.50 s ± 0.35 (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Cannabinoids already known for IOP reduction may also affect retinal hemodynamics which may be beneficial in glaucoma patients. Thus, derivates have to be developed as potential anti–glaucomatous agents.

Keywords: blood supply • pharmacology • drug toxicity/drug effects