Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate: targeting Rho kinase in the treatment of glaucoma
Toshihiro Inoue1, Hidenobu Tanihara1
1a Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto City , Japan.
Introduction:
Among the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drugs used in a clinical setting, Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors lower IOP by a unique mechanism, namely the depolymerization of intracellular actin in the conventional outflow tissues: the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Furthermore, ROCK inhibitors suppress the production of extracellular matrix by TM cells, which represents a potential alternative method of lowering IOP. Considering that conventional outflow is a dominant pathway in humans, IOP-lowering ROCK inhibitors, delivered in conjunction with other drugs, may be able to treat the glaucomatous eye. Areas covered: Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate is the first ROCK inhibitor approved for clinical use in Japan (and worldwide) against glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The efficacy of ripasudil, as monotherapy and as an adjunctive medication to prostaglandin analogs and/or adrenergic β-receptor antagonists, has been confirmed in clinical trials. Expert opinion: Considering the unique ROCK-inhibiting mechanism by which ripasudil lowers IOP via its actions on TM and SC endothelial cells, it may be an ideal adjunctive medication for treating glaucoma in the clinic.
Related Concept Videos
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

