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Bradykinin sensitivity in primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma patients
Kazuyuki Hirooka1, Fumio Shiraga, Eiichi Hasegawa
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kagawa Medical University, Miki, Kagawa, Japan. kazuyk@kms.ac.jp
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Normal-tension glaucoma patients showed a significantly different reaction to bradykinin compared to healthy individuals. This suggests potential abnormalities in the kallikrein-kinin system in normal-tension glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- The tissue kallikrein-kinin system plays a role in vascular regulation.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the role of this system in different glaucoma subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo reaction to bradykinin in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).
- To compare these reactions with those in healthy control subjects.
Main Methods:
- A prospective comparative study was conducted.
- Participants included 14 healthy controls, 16 POAG patients, and 15 NTG patients.
- The wheal response to intradermal bradykinin injection was measured by a masked observer.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in bradykinin response was observed between control subjects and POAG patients (P =.73).
- No significant difference was found between POAG patients and NTG patients (P =.09).
- A significant difference in bradykinin response was detected between control subjects and NTG patients (P =.04).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest potential abnormalities in the tissue kallikrein-kinin system in normal-tension glaucoma.
- These in vivo structure-activity studies warrant further investigation into the kallikrein-kinin system's role in NTG pathogenesis.