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Published on: November 15, 2019
A water-soluble carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM-3) lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits
E Stagni1, M G Privitera, C Bucolo
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy.
Background:
Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) are a novel group of substances that are capable of modulating physiological functions via the liberation of CO.
Aims:
This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of CORM-3, a water-soluble CO-releasing agent, on two rabbit models of ocular hypertension.
Methods:
Ocular hypertension was induced by injecting alpha-chymotrypsin in the rabbit eye. The dose-response effect of CORM-3 on IOP was assessed by topical administration of the drug (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1%). Ocular hypertension was also obtained by weekly subconjunctival injection of betamethasone, and animals were treated topically with CORM-3. A group of animals in both models was treated with the inactive form of the drug (iCORM-3).
Results:
CORM-3 induced a dose-dependent reduction in IOP in rabbits treated with alpha-chymotrypsin. A similar reduction in IOP was observed in rabbits with betamethasone-induced ocular hypertension treated with the drug. Treatment with the iCORM-3 had no effect on IOP in both models.
Conclusions:
Treatment with CORM-3 is associated with a reduction in IOP in two different rabbit models of ocular hypertension. These results support previous findings on the effect of haem oxygenase-derived CO on IOP and suggest a direct involvement of CO system in the regulation of ocular pressure probably through the modulation of aqueous humour dynamics.
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