Control of outflow resistance by soluble adenylyl cyclase

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Mar-Apr;30(2-3):138-42. doi: 10.1089/jop.2013.0199. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

Abstract Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States affecting as many as 2.2 million Americans. All current glaucoma treatment strategies aim to reduce intraocular pressure, even in patients with normal tension glaucoma. Typically, this is accomplished by reducing the rate of aqueous flow by limiting aqueous production or enhancing drainage using drugs and surgery. Whereas these strategies are effective in diminishing vision loss, some patients continue to lose vision and many discontinue use of their medications because of undesirable side effects. Drugs known to be effective in altering conventional outflow have for the most part been abandoned from modern clinical practice due to undesirable side effects. Identification of new drugs that could enhance conventional outflow, would offer additional options in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. To this end, our laboratory has recently uncovered a novel pathway for regulation of conventional outflow by the ciliary body. This pathway is dependent on soluble adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme that catalyzes the generation of cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) in response to bicarbonate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenylyl Cyclases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aqueous Humor / metabolism
  • Ciliary Body / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Glaucoma / epidemiology
  • Glaucoma / physiopathology*
  • Glaucoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Low Tension Glaucoma / physiopathology
  • Low Tension Glaucoma / therapy
  • Ocular Hypertension / complications
  • Ocular Hypertension / therapy
  • United States

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP
  • Adenylyl Cyclases