Evaluation of therapeutic effect of a new hypotensive formulation in a glaucoma model in rabbits

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and toxicity of an ocular hypotensive formulation composed of nanometric lyotropic liquid crystals (cubosomes) (CLL) and latanoprost 0.005% (LT) in a glaucoma model in rabbits.
Materials and methods: 24 female rabbits were used, divided into 4 groups: 1. Ocular normotensive (NTO) treated with CLL-LT; 2. NTO treated with commercial LT (Louten® solution); 3. With ocular hypertensive (HTO) treated with CLL-LT and 4. With HTO treated with commercial LT. The induction of the glaucoma model was performed with an injection of 0.1 ml of α-chymotrypsin (3 mg/ml) in the posterior chamber of the right eye. The treatment administration method was with a single subconjunctival injection (50 µl) of the study formulations. They were evaluated by measuring the IOP once a day for a week as well as the clinical assessment. The data were analyzed using the t test for independent samples, considering p <0.05 for significant differences.
Results: The CLL-LT decreased IOP in rabbits HTO ~ 20%, and in NTO ~ 25%. Compared with the commercial solution, CLL-LT generated a greater decrease (p <0.05). The initial post-injection irritation subsided within 24 hours.
Conclusion: CLL-LT turned out to be more effective in reducing IOP than the commercial solution in NTO and OHT rabbits, without presenting permanent damage to the ocular surface.