In Vitro Investigations on the Effect of Pilocarpine on the Metabolism in Pig Lenses Illustrated With Some Intermediate Metabolites

Abstract

22 pairs of pig lenses were incubated in TCM 199 5 g, with pilocarpine 5 X 10(-4) M and 10(-2) M. 5 X 10(-4) M is the probable concentration in the aqueous during ordinary pilocarpine medication. The concentration of 1-lactate, pyruvate, RTP, RDP and AMP was determined in the lenses and the assimilation of glucose and the production of 1-lactate and pyruvate were measured. As far as pilocarpine 5 X 10(-4) M was concerned no significant differences were found, but pilocarpine 10(-2) M gave a significantly higher 1-lactate concentration in the lenses (118%) and increased the assimilation of glucose to 120% and also augmented the production of 1-lactate to 168% and the pyruvate to 184%, tending to show that pilocarpine 10(-2) M increased the glycolytic activity in the lenses. The concentrations of RTP, RDP and AMP were unchanged.

Pilocarpine 1.25% for the treatment of presbyopia

“…The direct-acting cholinergic drug can alter lens permeability, leading to a shift in lens cations and water accumulation, causing changes in the intraocular metabolism and its use may accelerate lens opacities formation. [ 2 ] Hence, the long-term adverse effect of the drug should be kept in mind. Pilocarpine binds to melanin in the iris and ciliary body and hence, iris color may influence its desired response.…”