Takeshi Yoshitomi MD.

Department of Ophthalmology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
It is generally accepted that increased IOP is a major risk factor in glaucoma. However, loss of visual fields sometimes occurs in glaucoma patients with well controlled IOP. Recently, attention has been focused on the role of ocular blood flow in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, especially in patients with normal tension glaucoma. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of antiglaucoma drugs on ocular circulation is important for optimizing their clinical use.  To investigate the vasodilatory mechanism of various antiglaucoma drugs, we have investigated the effect of these drugs on isolated rabbit ciliary arteries in vitro.  Under the dissecting microscope, ciliary arteries were prepared from albino rabbit eyes. The effects of various antiglaucoma drugs were investigated using isometric tension recording methods. Among various antiglaucomatous agents we have tested, nipradilol, betaxolol, levobunolol, latanoprost, unoprostone, and tafulprost induced dose-dependent relaxations in rabbit ciliary artery that were pre-contracted with high-K solution. Application of NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (300μM) or indomethacin (10μM) ddid not affect these relaxation.We have concluded that various antiglaucomatous agents relaxed rabbit ciliary arteries. However, underlying mechanisms of vascular relaxation by these agents are different.

声明:本站独家报道，转载须标明来源“中华眼科在线”