Effect of Topical Betaxolol on the Acute Rise of Aqueous Flare Induced by Highly Selective Agonists for Prostaglandin E₂ Receptor Subtypes in Pigmented Rabbits

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of topical betaxolol on experimental ocular inflammation in rabbits. Method: Transcorneal diffusion of highly selective agonists for prostaglandin E₂ receptor subtypes (EP), 25 µg/ml, with the use of a glass cylinder, was performed to produce aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits. Betaxolol was topically administered before EP agonist application. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare cell meter. Results: Performing topical instillation of 0.5% betaxolol 4 times inhibited 52 ± 9% of EP2-agonist (ONO-AE1-259-01)-induced aqueous flare elevation. The inhibition of flare elevation was dependent on the number of betaxolol instillations. Betaxolol did not suppress the elevation induced by an EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-392). Conclusion: Betaxolol inhibited EP2-agonist-induced aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits.