Abstract
Purpose: :
To elucidate a possible IOP lowering effect of a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK)-inhibitor in the rabbit eye.
Methods: :
In all experiments, a ROCK inhibitor (AMA0076, 0,3 %; AMAKEM, Belgium) with local drug activity was used. The IOP lowering effect of AMA0076 was studied in 10 New Zealand rabbits. A first group of rabbits (n=5) received a single dose of topical AMA0076. Another group (n=5) received the compound topically three times daily. In both groups IOP was measured at different time points during three days.
Results: :
Single dosing of AMA0076 resulted in a decrease in IOP starting 1h after administration and lasted for ±2,5h (on average 18%, p<0.05). Repeated topical administration (3x/day) of the compound resulted in a persistent decrease in IOP until the last measurement (on average 14%, p<0.05).
Conclusions: :
Administration of the ROCK-inhibitor AMA0076 causes a reduction in IOP. This experiment was a proof of concept in which the IOP lowering effect of a single concentration of the compound was tested (0,3%). In the next phase of this experiment we will try to elucidate the optimal concentration and dosing regime. In the future, ROCK inhibition can open new perspectives for the treatment of glaucoma.
Keywords: intraocular pressure