Phenyl-substituted prostaglandins: potent and selective antiglaucoma agents.

A series of phenyl-substituted analogues of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were prepared and evaluated for ocular hypotensive effect and side effects in different animal models. In addition, the activity of the analogues on FP receptors was studied in vitro. The results were compared with those of PGF2 alpha and its isopropyl ester. The phenyl-substituted PGF2 alpha analogues exhibited good intraocular pressure reducing effect, were more selective, and exhibited a much higher therapeutic index in the eye than PGF2 alpha or its isopropyl ester. The analogues exhibited high activity on FP receptors in a stereoselective manner for the 15 alpha-hydroxyl group.