The pathophysiologic role of cyclo-oxygenases in the eye.
Cyclooxygenase isoenzymes (COX-1 and -2) catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs) and play a significant role in the health and disease of the eye. Experimental animal models of ocular diseases have been used to assess the effects of the selective COX inhibitors (COXIBs), and nonselective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ns-NSAIDs) are currently employed in the management of various ophthalmic conditions. This paper provides a review of the comparative expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the eye under normal and pathologic conditions, including the pathophysiologic role of PGs, and the effects of ns-NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of ophthalmic conditions.
Radi
Zaher A
ZA
Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA. zaher.radi@pfizer.com
Render
James A
JA
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D011453:Prostaglandins; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2