Prostaglandin E2 and protein release following Nd:YAG laser application to the anterior capsule of rabbit lens.

We compared the effects of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy and photophacofragmentation on the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and protein in the New Zealand rabbit aqueous humor. Following anterior capsulotomy, the concentration of PGE2 was significantly more elevated (P less than .025) than it was in the contralateral untreated eyes at intervals from one-half hour up to four hours, and rapidly decreased in 24 hours. The concentration of protein showed a relatively gradual increase which became significant (P less than .05) after two hours, and remained elevated 24 hours after anterior capsulotomy. In contrast, photodisruption into the lens without damaging the anterior capsule showed little effect on the release of PGE2 and protein in the aqueous humor.