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International Ophthalmology

Published in:

01-04-2019 | Original Paper

Relaxin 2 fails to lower intraocular pressure and to dilate retinal vessels in rats

Authors: Ulrike Hampel, Katharina Träger, Hanhan Liu, Julia Teister, Franz Grus, Verena Prokosch-Willing

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, the vasodilator relaxin 2 has been introduced as a treatment for acute heart failure. However, its role on vessels of the eye and intraocular pressure (IOP) remains unclear though it has been hypothesized to induce a decrease IOP after intramuscular injection in humans. We aimed to test whether the hormone relaxin 2 lowers IOP and dilates retinal vessels in animals.

Methods

The IOP of female Sprague-Dawley rats before and after application of relaxin 2 was measured using an Icare Tonolab device calibrated for rats. Recombinant human relaxin 2 in phosphate-buffered saline with 0.1% bovine serum albumin was either applied as eye drops (1000, 2000 or 3000 ng/ml), injected intravitreally (500 ng/ml) or intravenously (13.3 μg/kg body weight). Retinal vessel thickness was monitored using infrared fundus images compiled with optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering) before and several time points after application of relaxin 2.

Results

Neither topical nor intravitreous or intravenous application of relaxin 2 lowered the IOP or changed the arterial or venous vessel diameter after 1 or 3 h after application.

Discussion

Now that relaxin 2 is more easily available, the hormone came again into focus as a potential glaucoma therapeutic. However, our study in rats could not support the hypothesis that relaxin 2 lowers IOP or dilates retinal vessels.

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Title: Relaxin 2 fails to lower intraocular pressure and to dilate retinal vessels in rats
Authors: Ulrike Hampel
Katharina Träger
Hanhan Liu
Julia Teister
Franz Grus
Verena Prokosch-Willing
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-018-0884-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Relaxin 2 fails to lower intraocular pressure and to dilate retinal vessels in rats

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

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