Effects of prostaglandin D2 and its analogue, BW245C, on intraocular pressure in humans.

The effects of topically applied prostaglandin (PG) D2 and BW245C, a potent PGD2 agonist, on intraocular pressure (IOP) were studied in normotensive human volunteers. Doses of 5 and 10 micrograms PGD2 induced a mean reduction in IOP of 0.8 and 1 mmHg, respectively. At a dose of 50 micrograms, hypotension was preceded by initial hypertension (4 mmHg at 0.5 h) and the magnitude of the mean IOP reduction during the hypotensive phase was 1.1 mmHg. The application of BW245C (2.5 micrograms) induced an IOP change similar to that observed following treatment with 50 micrograms PGD2. Side effects caused by these compounds included conjunctival hyperemia, itching, and foreign-body and mild burning sensations. However, miosis and signs of intraocular inflammation were not observed. These results indicate that although PGD2 and BW245C are effective in reducing human IOP, their clinical usefulness as anti-glaucoma drugs may be limited by the extraocular side effects.