Topical rivastigmine, a selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits.

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Goldblum D, Garweg JG, Bohnke M

Topical rivastigmine, a selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits.

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2000 Feb;16(1):29-35.

PubMed ID

10673128 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Non-selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are known hypotensive agents. The purpose of the present investigation was carried out to ascertain whether rivastigmine, a selective carbamate-type inhibitor of AChE, which inhibits selectively an isoform of this enzyme found almost exclusively in the central nervous system, is able to depress the intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive rabbits. IOP was monitored with a TonoPen XL in conscious adult rabbits before and hourly up to 8 hr after administration of the drug. Baseline measurements without treatment and after one single topical application of rivastigmine [1% (n=8); 2% (n=4); and 5% (n=6)] to the right eye and of the vehicle alone to the left one were performed. Rivastigmine reduced the IOP of treated eyes significantly (p<0.05) in a dose-independent manner. Maximal effects of 23.2% (5% rivastigmine), 19.6% (2% rivastigmine) and 15.2% (1% rivastigmine) were achieved 1, 3 and 5 hr after application of the drug. A non-significant reduction of IOP in the contralateral eye was also observed. Rabbits evidenced no signs of discomfort after administration of rivastigmine. No conjunctival discharge or other signs of drug related local toxicity were found. Rivastigmine, a selective antagonist of AChE, lowers IOP significantly and may thus be of potential use in glaucoma therapy.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Rivastigmine	Acetylcholinesterase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Inhibitor	Details