A water-soluble carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM-3) lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) are a novel group of substances that are capable of modulating physiological functions via the liberation of CO.

AIMS:

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of CORM-3, a water-soluble CO-releasing agent, on two rabbit models of ocular hypertension.

METHODS:

Ocular hypertension was induced by injecting alpha-chymotrypsin in the rabbit eye. The dose-response effect of CORM-3 on IOP was assessed by topical administration of the drug (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1%). Ocular hypertension was also obtained by weekly subconjunctival injection of betamethasone, and animals were treated topically with CORM-3. A group of animals in both models was treated with the inactive form of the drug (iCORM-3).

RESULTS:

CORM-3 induced a dose-dependent reduction in IOP in rabbits treated with alpha-chymotrypsin. A similar reduction in IOP was observed in rabbits with betamethasone-induced ocular hypertension treated with the drug. Treatment with the iCORM-3 had no effect on IOP in both models.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment with CORM-3 is associated with a reduction in IOP in two different rabbit models of ocular hypertension. These results support previous findings on the effect of haem oxygenase-derived CO on IOP and suggest a direct involvement of CO system in the regulation of ocular pressure probably through the modulation of aqueous humour dynamics.

• Authors: E Stagni, M G Privitera, C Bucolo, G M Leggio, R Motterlini, F Drago
• Journal: The British journal of ophthalmology (Br J Ophthalmol) Vol. 93 Issue 2 Pg. 254-7 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1468-2079 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18977789 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents
• Organometallic Compounds
• tricarbonylchloro(glycinato)ruthenium(II)
• Chymotrypsin
• alpha-chymotrypsin

Topics

• Animals
• Antihypertensive Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Chymotrypsin
• Disease Models, Animal
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Evaluation, Preclinical (methods)
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Ocular Hypertension (chemically induced, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Organometallic Compounds (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Rabbits