title: Update on the mechanism of action of bimatoprost: a review and discussion of new evidence.
abstract: Bimatoprost is a pharmacologically unique and highly efficacious anti-glaucoma agent. It appears to mimic the activity of the prostamides, which are biosynthesized from the natural endocannabinoid anandamide by the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2). Bimatoprost has also been suggested to lower intraocular pressure by behaving as a prodrug or, alternatively, by stimulating FP receptors directly. These three distinctly different hypotheses for the mechanism of bimatoprost activity are discussed in the light of current evidence.
authors.affiliation: Allergan, Inc, Irvine, California 92612-1531, USA.
authors.forename: Achim H-P
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Krauss
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Woodward
mesh_terms: D000577:Amides; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000069580:Bimatoprost; D003008:Cloprostenol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008055:Lipids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008055:Lipids; D011355:Prodrugs; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin; C034671:prostaglandin F2alpha receptor; D003008:Cloprostenol; D000069580:Bimatoprost