Related Experiment Videos
P2Y(2) receptor stimulation increases tear fluid secretion in rabbits
T Murakami1, T Fujihara, M Nakamura
1Ophthalmic Research Division, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nara, Japan. muratada@remus.dti.ne.jp
Current Eye Research
|December 20, 2000
Summary
The purinergic agonists UTP and ATP significantly increase tear volume in rabbits by activating the P2Y(2) receptor. These compounds show potential for treating dry eye without negatively impacting tear protein composition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Tear Physiology
Background:
- Purinergic P2Y(2) receptors are known to stimulate chloride transport in ocular tissues.
- Understanding the in vivo effects of P2Y(2) receptor agonists on tear production is crucial for developing dry eye treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of uridine triphosphate (UTP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on tear volume and tear fluid composition in normal rabbits.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of P2Y(2) receptor agonists for dry eye treatment.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits received topical applications of UTP or ATP at various concentrations, or saline control.
- Tear secretion was measured using a modified Schirmer test.
- Tear fluid was collected for analysis of protein profile, total protein concentration, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.
Main Results:
- UTP demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in tear secretion, peaking at a 4-fold increase 15 minutes post-application.
- ATP produced similar increases in tear volume.
- Repeated UTP administration consistently elevated tear volume without altering total protein, IgG concentration, or the overall protein profile.
Conclusions:
- Activation of the P2Y(2) receptor by UTP and ATP effectively increases tear fluid secretion in rabbits.
- These purinergic agonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing dry eye conditions.