D-penicillamine and beta-aminopropionitrile effects on experimental filtering surgery.

We studied the effect of two compounds, beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and D-penicillamine on the success of experimental glaucoma filtering surgery in cynomolgus monkeys. All animals had laser-induced glaucoma and underwent punch sclerectomy operations. Eyes treated with BAPN or D-penicillamine maintained successful filtration for at least 3 days longer than nondrug-treated controls. This effect, while statistically significant (P less than 0.05), was temporary. The lack of more substantial improvement in prolonging filtering patency may have resulted from an inadequate effective drug concentration. Alternatively, these drugs may have limited potency because their action on new collagen synthesis affects only a minor component of the healing process that causes filter failure.