[The effect of cyclic mechanical stretching on bovine and porcine trabecular cells]

Cultured bovine and porcine trabecular cells were exposed to cyclic mechanical stretching, and their growth rates, morphological changes, and production of prostaglandin F2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were examined. Cyclic mechanical stretching did not affect growth rates of the trabecular cells, but the cells became spindle-shaped in contrast to the stellate shape in the controls. The production of PGE2 by trabecular cells in the logarithmic growth phase decreased in response to cyclic mechanical stretching, but the production of PGF2 alpha increased significantly compared with the controls. The production of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha by the trabecular cells in the confluent stage was not different significantly from that in the controls. These findings indicate that trabecular cells might produce PGF2 alpha in the aqueous humor in response to changes in the intraocular pressure and have a role in regulating the intraocular pressure through relaxation of the ciliary muscle.