The Role of sGC activators as ocular hypotensive agents

Project Summary

Researchers have shown that topical application of nitric oxide to rabbit and monkey eyes causes significant decreases in intraocular pressure. This would suggest that nitric oxide could be used to treat high intraocular pressure in glaucoma. However, higher doses of nitric oxide are less effective than lower doses and constant use of some nitric oxide donors result in tolerance. Nitric oxide binds to its target enzyme called soluble guanylate cyclase causing the formation of cGMP, and subsequent activation of other proteins and effects. There are gaps in our knowledge about the involvement of nitric oxide and soluble guanylate cyclase, and the role of nitric oxide in glaucoma. A better understanding of the interaction between soluble guanylate cyclase activators, their target enzyme, and down stream effectors will lead to new strategies in the treatment of glaucoma.