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Br J Ophthalmol 2009;93:254-257 doi:10.1136/bjo.2007.137034
  • Original Article
    • Laboratory science

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

  1. E Stagni1,
  2. M G Privitera1,
  3. C Bucolo1,2,
  4. G M Leggio1,
  5. R Motterlini3,
  6. F Drago1,2
  1. 1
    Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
  2. 2
    Centre of Ocular Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
  3. 3
    Department of Surgical Research, Vascular Biology Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Harrow, UK
  1. Professor F Drago, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy; fdrago{at}tin.it
  • Accepted 6 October 2008
  • Published Online First 31 October 2008

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 α-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 α-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.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

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