Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of CB1 receptors in the ciliary body epithelium and retina of the rat eye (Figures 6–9, control Figure 5). The CB1 receptors were then localized to the non-pigmented epithelium tissue.
RT-PCR
The reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction procedure showed that mRNA, which contains the code for the protein receptors for CB1, was present in the rat’s ciliary epithelium and retinal tissues (Figure 10). The oligonucleotide sequence was then found to be identical to that of hCB1 receptor cDNA reported in GenBank (GenBank#: XM 004350).
Western Blotting
The Western Blotting procedure indicated that the proteins that make up the CB1 receptors are present in the ciliary epithelium and retina, however results remained inconclusive as the technique depends upon the use of a specific antibody in the correct concentration (Figures 11, 12).