Abstract
Topical administration of a generator of H2S in biological tissues for the treatment of eye disorders, such as glaucoma. NaHS caused a time-dependent decrease in intraocular pressure in normotensive, conscious albino rabbits indicating a similar role for H2S in the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics in animals and humans. H2S donors, NaHS and Na2S, inhibited field-stimulated [3H]NE release from porcine isolated iris-ciliary bodies and produced relaxation of pre-contracted iris muscle strips indicating a pharmacological role for H2S in the anterior uvea. The observation that donors of H2S can alter sympathetic neurotransmission and induce an inhibitory action on iris smooth muscle suggests that this gas has the potential to influence several physiologi- cal/pathological processes in the eye. The ability of NaHS or Na2S to inhibit [3H]NE release mimics the well-established action some antiglaucoma drugs (e.g. a2-adrenoceptor agonists, prostaglandins) on sympathetic neurotransmission in the anterior uvea and can be used to reduce IOP in animals and humans.