Study of prostaglandins and intraocular pressure in rabbits after Nd:YAG laser anterior segment procedures.

Radioimmunoassay of rabbit aqueous humor one hour after Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomies revealed increased concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha), and thromboxane B2 (TBB2). Coincidental rises in intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor protein were observed. These changes correlated with the laser power used. Pretreatment with topical 1% prednisolone acetate or 1% indomethacin prior to anterior capsulotomies inhibited the post laser rise in PGF1 alpha and TBB2, but did not eliminate the post laser rise in IOP. Small rises in IOP and the concentrations of aqueous PGF1 alpha, TBB2, and protein were observed after Nd:YAG laser iridectomies. These changes were not affected by prior treatment with 1% topical prednisolone acetate. Although PGF1 alpha and TBB2 are elevated after Nd:YAG laser anterior segment procedures, a causal relationship between post treatment IOP rise and PGF1 alpha or TBB2 release could not be determined.