Changes in rat erythrocyte membrane induced by delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol, scanning electron microscope study.

Although some biochemical dose-dependent effects are revealed in erythrocytes exposed to delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) already at concentrations well below 10 microM, marked morphological changes of the erythrocyte membrane become evident, by scanning electron microscopy, only at THC concentrations beyond 15 microM. These observations provide evidence additional to previous chemical and physical studies, in which 15 microM is found to be a critical concentration with respect to the effects of TCH on erythrocyte membrane.