COX-2 inhibitors prolong trauma-induced elevations of iris hyaluronan.

PURPOSE

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.

CONCLUSION

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.