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Prostaglandin-induced iridial pigmentation in primates
G Selén1, J Stjernschantz, B Resul
1Glaucoma Research Laboratories, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Prostaglandins, including latanoprost, can cause increased eye pigmentation in monkeys. This pigmentary effect is a class effect, not unique to latanoprost, and doesn
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue prodrug, is used to lower intraocular pressure.
- Chronic toxicity studies revealed latanoprost induces increased pigmentation of monkey irides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the pigmentary effect of latanoprost is unique or a class effect of prostaglandins.
- To investigate the effect of naturally occurring prostaglandins on the monkey iris.
Main Methods:
- Topical application of prostaglandin F2 alpha-isopropyl ester (PGF2 alpha-IE), prostaglandin E2-isopropyl ester (PGE2-IE), and latanoprost to cynomolgus monkey eyes for 18-44 weeks.
- One eye treated, the other served as control.
- Latanoprost applied to sympathectomized monkey eyes.
Main Results:
- PGF2 alpha-IE, PGE2-IE, and latanoprost all induced increased iridial pigmentation.
- Pigmentation effects were observed after approximately two months of treatment.
- Latanoprost induced pigmentation in sympathectomized eyes, indicating no requirement for sympathetic nerves.
Conclusions:
- Naturally occurring prostaglandins and their synthetic analogues can cause increased iridial pigmentation in cynomolgus monkeys.
- The observed pigmentary effect is a class effect of prostaglandins.
- The mechanism of prostaglandin-induced iridial pigmentation does not involve sympathetic nerves.
