6-Hydroxydopamine in treatment of open-angle glaucoma

In patients with open-angle glaucoma, subconjunctival injection of 6-hydroxydopamine produced chemical sympathectomy and sensitization to topically applied epinephrine. Prior to entry into this study, all patients had intraocular pressures (IOPs) greater than 30 mm Hg and had not responded to maximal medical therapy. The 6-hydroxydopamine was prepared in an ascorbic acid-buffered solution and was well tolerated by the patients. After subconjunctival administration of 6-hydroxydopamine, the mean decrease in IOPs was 50% in the treated eyes and 5% in the contraleteral eyes. Topical administration of 1% epinephrine to eyes injected with 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in a mean fall of IOP of 40% that persisted for as long as three months. Repeated subconjunctival injections of 6-hydroxydopamine renewed the pressure-lowering effects and sensitization to topically applied epinephrine.