Effects of Pupil Dilation and Constriction Agents on Trabecular Meshwork Cells

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pupil dilation and constriction agents on the survival and production of nitric oxide (NO) in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). METHODS: Primarily cultured HTMC were exposed to 0, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/ml of tropicamide, cyclopentolate, atropine, or pilocarpine for 2 hours. Cellular survival and production of NO were assessed using the MTT assay and Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: Tropicamide, cyclopentolate, atropine, and pilocarpine decreased cellular survival at the concentration of 0.1 mg. At the concentration of 0.01 mg/ml, all agents decreased production of NO to some extent, although the reduction was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Pupil dilation and constriction agents may be toxic to HTMC if used at high concentrations or if used frequently in the short-term but may not affect trabecular outflow.