The effect of latanoprost on aqueous humor PGF2alpha levels in glaucoma patients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the PGF2alpha isopropyl ester analogue, Latanoprost which is a new ocular hypotensive topical agent, on the aqueous humor PGF2alpha levels in open-angle glaucoma patients.

Patients diagnosed with either capsular or primary open-angle glaucoma and scheduled for trabeculectomy, were consecutively enrolled in the study. Group 1 represented the control group (n = 17) and Group 2 represented the Latanoprost treatment group (n = 9). All the topical drugs were stopped 10 days preoperatively and only systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors were continued if necessary. Group 2 patients received topical 0.005% Latanoprost once daily for 5-10 days preoperatively. During trabeculectomy operation, aqueous samples were taken through paracentesis from the patients. Aqueous humor levels of PGF2alpha and its metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha were measured using enzyme-immunoassay.

The mean PGF2alpha levels were 24.38 +/- 5.79 pg/ml in the control group and 10.99 +/- 4.11 pg/ml in the Latanoprost group, the difference of which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the Latanoprost group, there was a positive correlation between levels of PGF2alpha, and its metabolite (p < 0.05).

Pretreatment with PGF2alpha isopropyl ester analogue, Latanoprost topically decreased PGF2alpha levels in the aqueous humor of glaucomatous eyes, probably due to its uveoscleral outflow increasing effect. The clinical importance and application of this result has to be determined.