COX-2 inhibitors prolong trauma-induced elevations of iris hyaluronan.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether and how treatment with COX-2 inhibitors influences hyaluronan responses to a standardized trauma, argon laser induced iritis, in rabbits.


METHODS
Two different COX-2 inhibitors were used, SC-236 and rofecoxib. The drugs were administered orally, 6 mg/kg/day and 1.5 mg/kg/day respectively. Iris and aqueous humor hyaluronan concentrations were measured with a radiometric assay at different time points after laser irradiation.


RESULTS
The hyaluronan concentration in the iris increased 3-4-fold with a peak concentration of 129.1 microg/g wet weight 2 days after laser irradiation. It then decreased to normal values after 1 week. In eyes treated with either of the COX-2 inhibitors, iris hyaluronan concentrations did not decrease as rapidly and were significantly higher at day 4 and 7 when compared to drug untreated eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with COX-2 inhibitors prolongs trauma induced elevation of iris content of endogenous hyaluronan. This may be, at least partly, due to an inhibition of interstitial fluid pressure regulation.
Koralewska-Makár
Anna
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden. Anna.Makar@oft.lu.se
Johnsson
Cecilia
C
Bruun
Anitha
A
Stenevi
Ulf
U
Ehinger
Berndt
B
D000818:Animals; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000737:chemistry; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007498:Iris / Q000737:chemistry; D007500:Iritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects; D013450:Sulfones; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D007783:Lactones; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013450:Sulfones; C119130:4-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides; C116926:rofecoxib