Combined effect of forskolin and acetazolamide on intraocular pressure and aqueous flow in rabbit eyes.

Forskolin, a diterpene, a potent and direct stimulator of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase, can reduce intraocular pressure when administered topically to rabbit eyes in a 1% suspension. Using an intravitreal plant of fluorescein-dextran, aqueous flow was measured by a modification of the method of Maurice. Forskolin reduces net aqueous flow by 51% compared to the controls. Acetazolamide (25 mg kg-1) administered intravenously reduces net aqueous flow by 45%. Forskolin and acetazolamide together reduce net aqueous flow by 72%, an important additive effect undoubtedly produced by different pathways.