Endothelin Antagonism: Effects of FP Receptor Agonists Prostaglandin F2αand Fluprostenol on Trabecular Meshwork Contractility

Purpose This study analyzes additional mechanisms behind the ocular hypotensive effect of prostaglandin F (PGF) receptor (FP receptor) agonists PGF2alpha and fluprostenol (fluprostenol-isopropyl ester [travoprost]), which reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma probably by enhancing uveoscleral flow. The trabecular meshwork (TM) is actively involved in IOP regulation through contractile mechanisms. Contractility of TM is induced by endothelin (ET)-1, a possible pathogenic factor in glaucoma. The involvement of FP receptor agonists in the ET-1 effects on TM function was studied. Methods The effects of FP receptor agonists on contractility of bovine TM (BTM) were investiga…