[The effects of long-term topically applied prostaglandins on aqueous protein concentration and the rabbit ciliary process].

I examined the effects of topically applied prostaglandin (PG) and novel PG-related compounds on the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) in the rabbit eyes. Latanoprost (PhXA41), PGF2 alpha-isopropyl ester (PGF2 alpha-IE) or PGE2 were topically applied once only or once daily for 8 weeks. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare cell meter. After the repeated application for 8 weeks, the morphological changes of the ciliary portion of ciliary processes were investigated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a protein tracer. PGF2 alpha-IE 1.5 microgram, 3.0 micrograms, PGE2 1.5 microgram caused an initial rise of aqueous flare, but PhXA41 1.5 microgram caused no aqueous flare rise. After the application of PhXA41 1.5 microgram or PGF2 alpha-IE 1.5 microgram for 8 weeks, no morphological changes in the ciliary portion of ciliary process were found. After PGF2 alpha-IE 3.0 micrograms or PGE2 1.5 microgram for 8 weeks, HRP passed through the tight junction of non-pigmented epithelial cells and there was dilatation of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in the non-pigmented epithelial cells.