Effects of Prolonged Administration of Delta -9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Rat Kidney Cells

Kidneys of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) treated rats were studied by electron microscope and compared to those of normal controls. The experimental group received THC for five weeks twice daily while control animals received saline. The most important differences between these two groups were observed in lysosomes. In addition to these minor changes several large secondary lysomes were observed in the cells of proximal convoluted tubules of the delta -9- THC treated rats. The mitochondria of the experimental group were also degenerated in some cells. The morphology of filtration barrier however appeared normal in glomeruli of THC treated rats.