Effects of Topical Bimatoprost 0.01% and Timolol 0.5% on Circadian IOP,Blood Pressure and Perfusion Pressure in Patients with Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: A Randomized,Double Masked,Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

PurposeTo compare the 24-hour (24h) effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and cardiovascular parameters of timolol 0.5% and bimatoprost 0.01% in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertensive subjects.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double masked, crossover, clinical trial, after washout from previous medications enrolled subjects underwent 24h IOP, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements and were randomized to either topical bimatoprost 0.01% at night plus placebo in the morning or to timolol 0.5% bid. After 8 weeks of treatment a second 24h assessment of IOP, BP and HR was performed and then subjects switched to the opposite treatment for additional 8 weeks when a third 24h assessment was performed. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the mean 24h IOP after each treatment. Secondary endpoints included the comparisons of IOP at each timepoint of the 24h curve and the comparison of BP, HR, ocular perfusion pressure and tolerability.ResultsMean untreated 24h IOP was 20.3 mmHg (95%CI 19.0 to 21.6). Mean 24h IOP was significantly lower after 8 weeks of treatment with bimatoprost 0.01% than after 8 weeks of treatment with timolol 0.5% bid (15.7 vs 16.8 mmHg, p = 0.0003). Mean IOP during the day hours was significantly reduced from baseline by both drugs while mean IOP during the night hours was reduced by -2.3 mmHg (p = 0.0002) by bimatoprost 0.01% plus placebo and by -1.1 mmHg by timolol 0.5% bid (p = 0.06). Timolol 0.5% significantly reduced the mean 24h systolic BP from baseline, the diastolic BP during the day hours, the HR during the night hours, and the mean 24h systolic ocular perfusion pressure.ConclusionBoth Bimatoprost 0.01% and Timolol 0.5% are effective in reducing the mean 24h IOP from an untreated baseline but Bimatoprost 0.01% is more effective than timolol 0.5% throughout the 24h. Timolol 0.5% effect on IOP is reduced during the night hours and is associated with reduced BP, HR and ocular perfusion pressure.

Trial Registration

EU Clinical Trial Register and EudraCT# 2010-024272-26     

两种手术方式治疗原发性闭角型青光眼疗效比较

目的:探讨治疗原发性闭角型青光眼二种手术方式的适应症和初步临床疗效观察。方法:拟订手术适应症,对临床收治的42例48眼原发性闭角型青光眼进行手术处理:单纯抗青光眼手术--小梁切除术(Trabeculectomy,Trab)、青白联合手术--超声乳化白内障吸除联合小梁切除+人工晶体植入术(Phacotrabeculectomy+IOL,PhacoTrab+IOL)。比较不同适应症下二种手术方式初步的临床疗效。包括术前术后眼压情况、前房深度、眼轴长度的变化。随访时间平均1个月。结果均经统计学处理。结果:原发性闭角型青光眼患者术后眼压有显著改变,有统计学差异,Trab组手术后平均(10.92±1.74)mmHg,Phaco Trab+IOL组手术后平均(10.86±1.73)mmHg。术后眼压明显降低(t检验,P值<0.001),Trab组和Phaco Trab+IOL组两组间术后眼压无显著差异(t检验,P值>0.05)。Trab组手术前后前房深度无统计学差异(t检验,P值>0.05),Phaco Trab+IOL组手术前后前房深度有统计学差异(t检验,P值均<0.001)。术前分别为(1.74±0.16)mm、(1.72±0.16)mm,术后分别为(1.74±0.17)mm、(2.06±0.14)mm。Trab组及Phaco Trab+IOL组手术前后眼轴长度无统计学差异(t检验,P值>0.05)。结论:青-白联合手术可以改善前房深度,明显降低眼压,不同手术方式适合不同的病人情况,但要注意适应症的选择。利用A超检查可快速、有效、准确地观察眼前节结构,有助于早期进行手术。     

Effects of a non-selective beta-blocker on adult rat anterograde axonal transport and retinal ganglion layer after increased intraocular pressure

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of timolol in an experimental model of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Three episcleral veins of rats with normal IOP were cauterized. Three months later we examined the effects on anterograde axonal transport from the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to the superior colliculus (SC) as well as on the number of neurons in the retinal ganglion layer (RGL). These parameters were also studied in a group of rats submitted to treatment with timolol after confirming that their IOP was still raised after two weeks. After the surgical procedure, the mean IOP of the experimental eyes increased to 33.5+/-1.06 mmHg (1.25 fold compared to the control group) and three months later the IOP remained significantly elevated; however, after a long period of treatment with timolol the IOP was 14.05+/-0.81 mmHg, similar to that of the control group. In the group with normal IOP, labelling with horseradish rabbit peroxidase (HRP) at 120 minutes and 24 hours postinjection showed continuous staining from the retina to the SC. In the experimental group the optic nerve head (ONH) was completely negative, although in the group treated with timolol there was partial block of axonal transport in the ONH, in which the staining was slightly more intense. The number of neurons in the RGL, counted by immunohistochemical labelling with Neu-N, showed that in eyes with normal and elevated IOP there were 423+/-11 neurons/mm(2) and 283+/-10 neurons/mm(2), respectively. After treatment with timolol the number of neurons (331+/-10 cells/mm(2) increased compared with elevated IOP eyes, although the number did not reach that of the control group. These results indicate that treatment with timolol, started two weeks after the surgical procedure, was partially neuroprotective because the loss of neurons in the RGL was lower than in untreated animals, though not sufficient to re-establish normal axonal transport.     

A study of replacement of timolol-pilocarpine with latanoprost in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing current dual local therapy (timolol and pilocarpine) with latanoprost 0.005% in 71 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients with controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). 39 patients switched to latanoprost 0.005%) and 32 patients continued timolol-pilocarpine therapy. Mean diurnal (IOP) was measured at baseline, after 0.5, 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment. After 6 months 38 patients with latanoprost and 30 patients with timolol-pilocarpine had completed the study. At baseline the mean diurnal IOP was 20.4 +/- 2.0 mmHg for patients in latanoprost treatment group and 21.4 +/- 2.1 mmHg for patients in timolol-pilocarpine group. At the end of the study, after 6 months of treatment, the mean diurnal IOP values were 16.6 +/- 2.4 and 17.9 +/- 2.0 mmHg respectively. IOP was statistically significantly reduced from baseline (p < 0.001). The mean diurnal IOP change from baseline was -3.3 +/- 0.5 mmHg (mean +/- SEM, ANCOVA) for the patients treated with latanoprost and -3.2 +/- 0.4 mmHg for the patients treated with timolol + pilocarpine. This difference in IOP reduction between groups was not statistically significant (z = 0.69; p = 0.49). This study showed that combination therapy (timolol plus pilocarpine) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma can effectively be replaced by latanoprost monotherapy.     

Intraocular Pressure Changes in Non-Glaucomatous Patients Receiving Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents

Purpose

To study the prevalence of sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation associated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

Methods

Prospective comparative study. Non-glaucomatous patients scheduled to receive intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF therapy were recruited from an outpatient eye clinic, Songklanagarind Hospital between April 2013 and March 2014. The IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer before and at 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after injection. The IOP was compared using the repeated measures analysis. Sustained IOP elevation was defined as either an IOP > 21 mmHg or an increase from baseline ≥ 5 mmHg on two consecutive visits.

Results

Seventy eyes of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnosis was diabetic macular edema (48%). The mean IOP ± standard deviation (SD) before treatment was 13.7 ± 2.8 mmHg. The means ± SDs after treatment at 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months were 11.3 ± 2.6, 13.7 ± 3.6, 14.1 ± 3.3, 14.0 ± 2.3, and 13.7 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. A mean of IOP difference at 1 hour postinjection and at baseline was −2.36 ± 2.5 mmHg (P < 0.001). Four of 70 treated eyes (5.7%) developed sustained IOP elevation (IOP ≥ 5 mmHg from baseline on two consecutive visits). The IOP returned to baseline levels after 1 month, in three eyes. One eye had sustained IOP elevation at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Thereafter, IOP returned to baseline level. There was no need of anti-glaucoma medication.

Conclusions

After receiving intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agent, a small proportion of non-glaucomatous eyes developed a sustained IOP elevation without requiring IOP-lowering treatment. At 1 hour postinjection, there was a significant reduction of the mean IOP compared with the baseline level.     

Clinical experience with Ex-press Mini Glaucoma Shunt implantation

In this prospective study we wanted to report our experience and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ex-press Mini-Glaucoma Shunt implantation under a superficial scleral flap, as a newly and improved surgical technology in a treatment of POAG (Primary open-angle glaucoma) and refractory glaucoma. 44 eyes (35 patients) underwent an implantation of Ex-Press Mini Glaucoma Shunt. We had 21 patients with POAG (60%) and 14 patients with PEXG-pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (40%). The follow-up period was 8.62 + 7.48 months (range 2-22 months). Main outcome measures included postoperative IOP control, postoperative medications and early postoperative complications. The IOP was measured in the following postoperative time-points of 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The mean IOP values 1 year postoperatively were reduced for 52.8% compared to preoperative values and the use of medications were reduced for 77%. We had complications like postoperative hypotony (3.5%), choroidal ablation (7%), intraocular hemorrhage (3.5%) and postoperative shunt closure (3.5%). The Ex PRESS Mini Glaucoma Shunt implanted under a superficial scleral flap is relatively safe and effective surgical procedure and provides satisfactory IOP control and medication reduction. However, device related complications remain still a problem.     

汉防己甲素滴眼液对高眼压模型大鼠的降眼压作用

目的比较观察汉防己甲素滴眼液与0.5%噻吗心安滴眼液对高眼压模型大鼠及正常大鼠降眼压的作用。方法正常SD大鼠共分4组：不同浓度的汉防己甲素滴眼液组（0.1%、0.2%、0.3%）及阳性对照组0.5%噻吗心安,药物滴右眼各一滴,阴性对照组生理盐水滴左眼、测量滴药前24h和滴药后1、3、6、24、48、72h的眼压。应用倍频532激光对SD大鼠右眼上巩膜静脉以及小梁网所在区域实施光凝术建立高眼压大鼠模型。高眼压模型鼠共分5组：不同浓度的汉防己甲素滴眼液0.05%、0.1%、0.2%、0.3%及阳性对照组0.5%噻吗心安,右眼即模型眼滴用药物,左眼作为空白对照。测量术前后的眼压。结果汉防己甲素滴眼液对大鼠正常眼压无降压作用（P〉0.05）。对高眼压大鼠用药后24h、72h、1周后,0.3%汉防己甲素滴眼液组降低眼压的幅度与0.5%噻吗心安滴眼液降低眼压的幅度相似（P〉0.05）;0.05%、0.1%、0.2%汉防己甲素滴眼液组也有明显的降压作用,但与0.5%噻吗心安滴眼液相比,降压幅度低于后者（P〈0.05）。结论0.05%、0.1%、0.2%、0.3%汉防己甲素滴眼液均有降低大鼠高眼压的作用,其中0.3%浓度的汉防己甲素滴眼液降眼压效果与0.5%的噻吗心安类似。汉防已甲素滴眼液作为一种治疗青光眼的药物有着良好应用前景。     

小梁切除术中应用丝裂霉素C 对角膜内皮细胞的影响

目的:观察小梁切除术中应用丝裂霉素C(MMC)对角膜内皮细胞的影响。方法:收集2010年9月2011年5月在我院行小梁切除术的青光眼患者60例(78眼),随机分为术中应用丝裂霉素C的36例(46眼)患者为A组,术中不用丝裂霉素C的24例(32眼)为B组,分别观察术前、术后1个月和术后3个月两组眼压(IOP)、角膜内皮细胞的密度(CD)、平均细胞面积(AVG)及细胞面积变异系数(CV),分析其数量的改变及两组间的差异。结果:A组术前眼压为(35.4±13.7)mmHg,B组术前眼压为(32.5±13.5)mmHg差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),A组术后1个月及术后3个月眼压分别为(15.7±3.7)mmHg、(17.0±3.2)mmHg,均低于B组的(19.4±3.7)mmHg、(20.2±2.1)mmHg,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组术前、术后1个月及术后3个月角膜内皮细胞密度分别为(2475±484)个/mm2、(2199±373)个/mm2、(2164±332)个/mm2;平均细胞面积分别为(431.4±67.6)μm2、(480.6±66.8)μm2、(463.8±46.2)μm2;细胞面积变异系数分别为(31.1±7.4)%、(34.4±6.3)%、(31.2±7.5)%;术后1个月及术后3个月各参数与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。B组术前、术后1个月及术后3个月角膜内皮细胞密度分别为(2342±94)个/mm2、(2185±215)个/mm2、(2074±218)个/mm2;平均细胞面积分别为(453.9±94.8)μm2、(516.3±100.8)μm2、(499.81±106.4)μm2;细胞面积变异系数分别为(30.2±3.0)%、(32.7±2.9)%、(31.4±4.3)%;除术后3个月角膜内皮细胞与术前比较有意义(P<0.05)外,余参数术后1个月及术后3个月与术前比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后1个月A组的角膜内皮细胞丢失率为10.4%高于B组的6.1%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3个月A组的角膜内皮细胞丢失率为11.1%高于B组的10.0%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:小梁切除术中用丝裂霉素C的降压效果比不用丝裂霉素C的效果好,但短期内前者角膜内皮细胞的丢失率高于后者。     

Primary phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for acute primary angle-closure

Background

To investigate the effect of primary phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with acute primary angle-closure (PAC) and coexisting cataract.

Methodology

Sixteen eyes of 14 patients with acute PAC received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation as initial management for medically uncontrolled IOP in a retrospective chart review. The effects on IOP, vision, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and number of antiglaucoma medications were evaluated.

Principal Findings

The postoperative IOP was reduced in 16 eyes (100%). The mean ± standard deviation preoperative IOP was 48.81±16.83 mm Hg, which decreased postoperatively to 16.46±10.67 mm Hg at 1 day, 9.43±3.03 mm Hg at 1 week, 9.49±2.14 mm Hg at 2 weeks, 10.78±3.56 mm Hg at 1 month, and 10.70±2.80 mm Hg at 3 months (p<0.001). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 3.56±1.14 to 0.13±0.34 (p<0.001). The average preoperative ACD was 2.08±0.35 mm, which increased to 3.59±0.33 mm after surgery (p<0.001). Visual acuity (converted into logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) improved from 1.14±0.71 to 0.73±0.53 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Primary phacoemulsification plus intraocular lens implantation lowered IOP, reduced the use of antiglaucoma medications, and improved vision in patients with acute PAC. This is a safe and effective method of IOP control and can be considered a first treatment option in managing patients with acute PAC and coexisting cataract.     

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in glaucoma associated with uveitis

The patients with uveitic glaucoma are at high risk for failure following drainage surgery because of young age of these patients, preoperative long-term control of inflammation and postoperative complications. Twenty-two trabeculectomies performed in 22 patients with uveitic glaucoma were retrospectively evaluated to analyze the effect of intraoperative application of mitomycin C (MMC). Success rates, postoperative levels of intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative complications were studied. After a mean follow-up of 10.6 months (range, 5-28 months), 15 patients (68.2%) achieved IOP of 21mmHg or less without antiglaucoma medications. There were statistically significant reduction in IOP postoperatively during the period studied (p < 0.001). Early postoperative complications included chorioidal detachment (9.1%), shallow anterior chamber (9.1%), hyphema (13.6%), macular edema (4.5%) and raised IOP (27.3%). Late postoperative complications included exacerbation of uveitis (4.5%), macular edema (4.5%), cataract (22.7%) and raised IOP (31.8%). The eyes with raised IOP needed additional antiglaucoma medication. The results of this retrospective and uncontrolled study suggest that intraoperative application of MMC may be a good option for enhancement of short-term trabeculectomy success rates in patients with uveitic glaucoma.     

Effects of intravitreous sodium hydrosulfide on intraocular pressure and retinopathy in ocular hypertensive rats

We investigated the possible neuroprotectant and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of intravitreous injection of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH) in a rodent model of experimental glaucoma. Glaucoma currently is treated by controlling IOP using medications and/or surgery. These methods are not entirely adequate for all patients. We divided 24 rats into three groups. For the control group, the right eye was treated with intravitreous saline. For the glaucoma group, ocular hypertension was induced by photocoagulating three episcleral veins and the limbal plexus of the right eye using an argon laser, then saline was injected into the vitreous of these eyes during the third week. For the NaSH group, rats were treated with intravenous NaSH 3 weeks after photocoagulation. IOP was measured each week during the 6 week experimental period. Coagulating the episcleral veins rapidly increased the IOP of rat eyes. Intravitreous injection of NaSH significantly reduced IOP. Intravitreous NaSH prevented degeneration of the retina and decreased the number of apoptotic cells. Intravitreous NaSH appeared to reduce IOP and to prevent IOP induced retinopathy in rats.     

A comparative study between cod liver oil and liquid lard intake on intraocular pressure on rabbits.

Cod liver oil administered intramuscularly (0.2 ml/day) lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) of the rabbit from 21 mmHg to 18 +/- 0.4 mmHg (p less than 0.05 n = 8). A higher dose of cod liver oil (1 ml) further lowered intraocular pressure to 14.5 +/- 0.3 mmHg which remained at this level for up to 80 days when the rabbits were sacrificed. Intramuscular injections of liquid lard did not alter IOP in rabbits. When treatment with cod liver oil was stopped, IOP rose to baseline levels. Topical treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors had no effect on the IOP lowering effect of cod liver oil. Topical treatment of rabbit eyes with 1% aspirin solution twice daily (up to 28 days) and flurbiprofen t.i.d. (up to 15 days) caused no alteration in the decrease in IOP seen with intramuscular cod liver oil treatment for up to 28 and 15 days respectively.     

Effectiveness of latanoprost (Xalatan) monotherapy in newly discovered and previously medicamentously treated primary open angle glaucoma patients

We evaluated the effectiveness of latanoprost (Xalatan) monotherapy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue, the pure 15(R) epimer of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2alpha-isopropyl ester. As a prodrug it is being activated by enzymatic hydrolysis in the cornea after which it becomes active acid of latanoprost. Latanoprost is lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the uveoscleral outflow. In this study, latanoprost was used once daily as monotherapy what offers much better compliance for the patients than other combinations of drugs, preserving good IOP control. Based on the significant reduction of the IOP, measured on the day 60 of the trial (mean change in IOP was -5.1 mmHg, with 95% confidence interval in range from -5.6 to -4.5), it is concluded that use of latanoprost is advisable when calculating better IOP control, few side-effects and reductions in costs of potential surgical procedures.     

Selective laser trabeculoplasty in the treatment of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in patients allergic to all anti-glaucoma drops

Secondary chronic open-angle glaucoma associated with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome accounts for approximately 25% of all glaucomas and represents the most common identifiable cause of glaucoma overall. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous patients and has the advantage of preserving surrounding structures. We report here SLT treatment of a 82 year old female with a secondary developed open-angle pseudoexfoliation glaucoma allergic to all anti glaucoma eye drops especially those which contain bensalconium chloridum as preservative. Since patient was allergic also to methyl-cellulose, we performed SLT with water as a mediator. Patient had PEX syndrome for 10 years, immature cataracts on both eyes, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.7 on the right and 0.2 on the left eye. We have monitored intraocular pressure (IOP), the changes in the visual field and optic nerve. Preoperative IOP was 28 mmHg on the right and 30 mmHg on the left eye. The follow up period was 24 months with time points for measured parameters every 3 months. After 18 months IOP remained in the normal values (average 17 mmHg) on the right eye, but on the left eye it increased up to 28 mmHg. SLT re-treatment was carried out on the left eye and the IOP stabilized again on the values between 16-18mmHg. There were no significant change in the visual field and optic nerve configuration before and after SLT (C/D value for right eye: 0.3-0.4; C/D left eye: 0.5). Based on this case report, SLT seems to be very effective treatment for maintaining regular IOP in patient with PEX who is allergic to all types of medications.     

Post-trabeculectomy topical bevacizumab preventing bleb failure: a preliminary study

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of post-trabeculectomy topical bevacizumab, in preventing bleb failure. A total of 11 females and 12 males were enrolled for the study. After a complete ophthalmic evaluation, the patients underwent trabeculectomy. Full ophthalmic examination was done the next day, which included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and bleb morphology. Next, two drops of bevacizumab [0.25 mg (0.01 ml)] were instilled over the wound area with a tuberculin (1 ml) syringe. Pressure was applied at the medial canthus to prevent it from going into the lacrimal passage. Similar postoperative procedures were repeated at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. So in all, five instillations of bevacizumab were completed. Later, the patients were followed at 1-month interval for 6 months. Target IOP was achieved in all eyes and was maintained during the study period of 6 months without any anti-glaucoma medication. Average IOP before trabeculectomy was 27.27?±?8.92 mmHg, which decreased postoperatively to 8.77?±?0.97 mmHg at 3 months and 9.27?±?1.16 mmHg at 6 months. This drop in IOP was statistically significant on both occasions (p?=?0.00). A nice low filtering bleb was formed after the surgery, and it remained the same during the study period. The other parameters like cup-to-disc ratio and visual field did not change during the 6 months of study as expected because glaucoma is a slow progressive disease. Modulating the wound at multiple sites by bevacizumab (inflammation, proliferative, and remodeling stages) can lead to success of trabeculectomy.     

Ocular Hypotensive Effects of the ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Opener Cromakalim in Human and Murine Experimental Model Systems

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most prevalent and only treatable risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, all current therapeutics used to treat elevated IOP and glaucoma have significant and sometimes irreversible side effects necessitating the development of novel compounds. We evaluated the IOP lowering ability of the broad spectrum K_ATP channel opener cromakalim. Cultured human anterior segments when treated with 2 μM cromakalim showed a decrease in pressure (19.33 ± 2.78 mmHg at 0 hours to 13.22 ± 2.64 mmHg at 24 hours; p<0.001) when compared to vehicle treated controls (15.89 ± 5.33 mmHg at 0 h to 15.56 ± 4.88 mmHg at 24 hours; p = 0.89). In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, cromakalim reduced IOP by 18.75 ± 2.22% compared to vehicle treated contralateral eyes (17.01 ± 0.32 mmHg at 0 hours to 13.82 ± 0.37 mmHg at 24 hours; n = 10, p = 0.002). Cromakalim demonstrated an additive effect when used in conjunction with latanoprost free acid, a common ocular hypotensive drug prescribed to patients with elevated IOP. To examine K_ATP channel subunit specificity, K_ir6.2^(-/-) mice were treated with cromakalim, but unlike wild-type animals, no change in IOP was noted. Histologic analysis of treated and control eyes in cultured human anterior segments and in mice showed similar cell numbers and extracellular matrix integrity within the trabecular meshwork, with no disruptions in the inner and outer walls of Schlemm’s canal. Together, these studies suggest that cromakalim is a potent ocular hypotensive agent that lowers IOP via activation of K_ir6.2 containing K_ATP channels, its effect is additive when used in combination with the commonly used glaucoma drug latanoprost, and is not toxic to cells and tissues of the aqueous humor outflow pathway, making it a candidate for future therapeutic development.     

小梁切除术中应用丝裂霉素C对角膜内皮细胞的影响

目的：观察小梁切除术中应用丝裂霉素C（MMC）对角膜内皮细胞的影响。方法：收集2010年9月2011年5月在我院行小梁切除术的青光眼患者60例（78眼）,随机分为术中应用丝裂霉素c的36例（46眼）患者为A组,术中不用丝裂霉素c的24例（32眼）为B组。分别观察术前、术后1个月和术后3个月两组眼压（10P）、角膜内皮细胞的密度（co）、平均细胞面积（AVG）及细胞面积变异系数（cv）,分析其数量的改变及两组间的差异。结果：A组术前眼压为（35．4±13．7）mmHg,B组术前眼压为（32．5±13．5）mmHg差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,A组术后1个月及术后3个月眼压分别为（15．7±3．7）mmHg、（17．0±3．2）mmHg,均低于B组的（19．4±3．7）mmHg、（20．2±2．1）mmHg,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。A组术前、术后1个月及术后3个月角膜内皮细胞密度分别为（2475±484）个／mm2、（2199±373）个／mm2、（2164±332）个／mm2;平均细胞面积分别为（431．4±67．6）μm2、（480．6±66．8）μm2、（463．8±46．2）μm2;细胞面积变异系数分别为（31．1±7．4）％、（34．4±6．3）％、（31．2±7．5）％;术后1个月及术后3个月各参数与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。B组术前、术后1个月及术后3个月角膜内皮细胞密度分别为（2342±94）个／mm2、（2185＋215）个／mm2、（2074218）个／mm2;平均细胞面积分别为（453．9土94．8）μm2、（516.3±100．8）μm2、（499．81＋106．4）μm2;细胞面积变异系数分别为（30．2土3．0）％、（32．7±2．9）％、（31．4±4．3）％;除术后3个月角膜内皮细胞与术前比较有意义（P〈0．05）外,余参数术后1个月及术后3个月与术前比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。术后1个月A组的角膜内皮细胞丢失率为10．4％高于B组的6．1％,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;术后3个月A组的角膜内皮细胞丢失率为11．1％高于B组的10．0％,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：小梁切除术中用丝裂霉素C的降压效果比不用丝裂霉素C的效果好,但短期内前者角膜内皮细胞的丢失率高于后者。     

兔先天性青光眼网络膜血管改变

目的　研究青光眼对视网膜脉络膜血液循环的影响。方法　选24月龄、体重3.5～4kg的先天性青光眼大耳白兔5只(7只眼),选10只同龄大耳白兔作为对照组。另选10只2月龄、体重2kg大耳白兔前房内灌注生理盐水制成急性高眼压模型。对三组兔进行眼底照像、闪光视诱发电位(FVEP)检查,观察视网膜脉络膜血管形态和FVEP的变化。对人工急性高眼压组还进行了闪光视网膜电流图(FERG)检查。结果　先天性青光眼组与同龄对照组相比视网膜脉络膜末梢血管网明显减少;人工急性高眼压组眼压升高后首先使视网膜脉络膜末梢血管网灌流不足,随着眼压的继续升高脉络膜大血管变细,末梢血管网灌流不足加重,眼压极度升高时脉络膜大血管血流中断。同龄正常对照组的FVEP的主波P100潜伏期是(83±9)ms,先天性青光眼组则为(112±14)ms,差异有非常显著意义(P＜0.01);人工急性高眼压组高眼压前为(69±5)ms,眼压60～80mm　Hg时延长为(81±7)ms,眼压在100～130mmHg时FVEP波形低平,近似直线;眼压恢复正常后2hFVEP的P100潜伏期为(82±8)ms。人工急性高眼压前后FERG变化显著。结论　青光眼可以影响视网膜脉络膜血液循环;可使FVEP、FERG发生变化。     

A Laser-Induced Mouse Model with Long-Term Intraocular Pressure Elevation

Purpose

To develop and characterize a mouse model with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after laser photocoagulation on the trabecular meshwork (TM), which may serve as a model to investigate the potential of stem cell-based therapies for glaucoma.

Methods

IOP was measured in 281 adult C57BL/6 mice to determine normal IOP range. IOP elevation was induced unilaterally in 50 adult mice, by targeting the TM through the limbus with a 532-nm diode laser. IOP was measured up to 24 weeks post-treatment. The optic nerve damage was detected by electroretinography and assessed by semiautomatic counting of optic nerve axons. Effects of laser treatment on the TM were evaluated by histology, immunofluorescence staining, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

The average IOP of C57BL/6 mice was 14.5±2.6 mmHg (Mean ±SD). After laser treatment, IOP averaged above 20 mmHg throughout the follow-up period of 24 weeks. At 24 weeks, 57% of treated eyes had elevated IOP with the mean IOP of 22.5±2.5 mmHg (Mean ±SED). The difference of average axon count (59.0%) between laser treated and untreated eyes was statistically significant. Photopic negative response (PhNR) by electroretinography was significantly decreased. CD45+ inflammatory cells invaded the TM within 1 week. The expression of SPARC was increased in the TM from 1 to 12 weeks. Histology showed the anterior chamber angle open after laser treatment. OCT indicated that most of the eyes with laser treatment had no synechia in the anterior chamber angles. TEM demonstrated disorganized and compacted extracellular matrix in the TM.

Conclusions

An experimental murine ocular hypertension model with an open angle and optic nerve axon loss was produced with laser photocoagulation, which could be used to investigate stem cell-based therapies for restoration of the outflow pathway integrity for ocular hypertension or glaucoma.     

Blood pressure modifies retinal susceptibility to intraocular pressure elevation

Primary open angle glaucoma affects more than 67 million people. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for glaucoma and may reduce nutrient availability by decreasing ocular perfusion pressure (OPP). An interaction between arterial blood pressure and IOP determines OPP; but the exact contribution that these factors have for retinal function is not fully understood. Here we sought to determine how acute modifications of arterial pressure will affect the susceptibility of neuronal function and blood flow to IOP challenge. Anaesthetized (ketamine:xylazine) Long-Evan rats with low (∼60 mmHg, sodium nitroprusside infusion), moderate (∼100 mmHg, saline), or high levels (∼160 mmHg, angiotensin II) of mean arterial pressure (MAP, n = 5–10 per group) were subjected to IOP challenge (10–120 mmHg, 5 mmHg steps every 3 minutes). Electroretinograms were measured at each IOP step to assess bipolar cell (b-wave) and inner retinal function (scotopic threshold response or STR). Ocular blood flow was measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry in groups with similar MAP level and the same IOP challenge protocol. Both b-wave and STR amplitudes decreased with IOP elevation. Retinal function was less susceptible to IOP challenge when MAP was high, whereas the converse was true for low MAP. Consistent with the effects on retinal function, higher IOP was needed to attenuated ocular blood flow in animals with higher MAP. The susceptibility of retinal function to IOP challenge can be ameliorated by acute high BP, and exacerbated by low BP. This is partially mediated by modifications in ocular blood flow.