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Abstract #19110 Published in IGR 3-1
Beta-adrenergic blocker therapy and the trabecular meshwork
Gottanka J; Johnson DH; Martus P; Lütjen-Drecoll EGraefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2001; 239: 138-144
PURPOSE: To determine whether beta-adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker) therapy for glaucoma causes changes in the trabecular meshwork due to underperfusion. METHODS: Thirty-five eyes of 19 donors with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were divided into three groups: eyes receiving beta-blocker therapy along with standard medications, eyes receiving standard medications but no beta-blockers, and eyes with elevated intraocular pressure but not receiving therapy. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess the extracellular material of the cribriform region, structure of the trabecular lamellae, and pigmentation of the trabecular cells. Six eyes of four normal donors were used as controls. RESULTS: No specific changes in the trabecular meshwork were found in eyes receiving beta-blocker therapy. The amount and composition of the extracellular matrix of the cribriform region and the morphology of the lamellae were similar among the three groups of eyes with POAG. Pigmentation of trabecular cells appeared to be a marker for aqueous flow, as significantly more cells contained pigment in regions of the meshwork with thin or normal lamellae than in regions with thickened and fused lamellae. These regions were variable around the circumference of the eye. and were similar between eyes with and without beta-blocker therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blocker therapy could not be proved to cause underperfusion changes in the trabecular mesh-work or other discernible effects. Preferential pathways for aqueous flow probably exist within regions of the trabecular meshwork, as evidenced by lamellar appearance and pigmentation of the adjacent trabecular cells.
Dr E. Lütjen-Drecoll, Department of Anatomy II, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstrasse 19, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
Classification:
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
