Matrine Reduces Intraocular Pressure in Corticosteroid-Induced Ocular Hypertensive Mouse Eyes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Research

Background:

• Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary risk factor for glaucoma.
• Corticosteroids can induce ocular hypertension (OHT), leading to secondary glaucoma.
• Exploring novel therapeutic agents for IOP management is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of matrine, a quinolizidine alkaloid, in regulating IOP.
• To assess matrine's effects on aqueous humor (AH) outflow facility and anterior segment morphology.
• To evaluate matrine's potential in normal and corticosteroid-induced OHT mouse models.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a corticosteroid-induced OHT mouse model using dexamethasone-21-acetate (DEX).
• Administration of varying doses of matrine to normal and OHT mice.
• Measurement of IOP, AH outflow facility, and anterior chamber morphology using optical coherence tomography.

Main Results:

• Matrine demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in IOP in normal mice.
• Matrine increased AH outflow facility and anterior chamber angle opening in normal and OHT mice.
• Matrine effectively reduced elevated IOP in the DEX-induced OHT model.

Conclusions:

• Matrine exhibits significant potential as a therapeutic agent for lowering IOP.
• Matrine may be particularly beneficial for managing corticosteroid-induced secondary glaucoma.
• Further research into matrine's mechanisms and clinical application is warranted.