Role of nitric oxide in PGF2 alpha-induced ocular hyperemia

The effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-induced ocular hyperemia in the rabbit has been studied. PGF2 alpha was administered topically as the isopropyl ester (PGF2 alpha-IE) unilaterally, with the other eye serving as a control. The regional blood flow in the eye was determined with radioactively-labelled microspheres in conscious animals. Synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) was blocked by L-NMMA (200 mg kg-1 b.w., i.v.). PGF2 alpha-IE induced marked hyperemia of the surface structures of the eye (conjunctiva, eye lids, nictitating membrane, anterior sclera), as well as increased blood flow of the anterior uvea. L-NMMA blocked the hyperemia of the surface structures but not completely the increase in blood flow of the anterior uvea. PhXA41 (13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2 alpha-isopropyl ester), a selective prostaglandin FP-receptor agonist, had no significant effect on the ocular blood flow. These results indicate that PGF2 alpha causes surface hyperemia of the eye by activating nitric oxide synthase, but this mechanism seems to be only partly involved in the increase in blood flow of the ciliary processes and the iris. The PGF2 alpha-induced ocular hyperemia is unlikely to be mediated by FP receptors.