Immunochemical Localization of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Chemically Fixed Glandular Thrichomes of Cannabis (Cannabaceae)

Monoclonal antibody for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiol (THC Ab), conjugated with protein A-gold, was employed as a probe to detect THC localization in the gland and subjacent cells of chemically fixed bracts of Cannabis. THC was detected in the outer wall of the disc cells, fibrillar matrix, the surface feature of secretory vesicles, and sheath throughout development of the secretory cavity. The probe was absent from vesicles. Label was also present in anticlinal walls of disc cells and walls of dermal and mesophyll cells. Little or no THC Ab was present in disc cells and none were detected in control tissues. This distribution pattern of THC Ab was similar to that in tissues prepared by high pressure cryofixation-cryosubstitution. Consistent association of THC with wall and wall-derived materials suggests that cannnabinoids are synthesized outside the plasma membrane and bound to a wall component, where-upon they are transported to the cavity with wall materials released from the disc cell wall during development of the secretory cavity.