Effects of latanoprost, timolol and GLC756, a novel dopamine D(2) agonist and D(1) antagonist on LTC(4) release after rat mast cell activation.

Purpose: Mast cells participate in ocular allergic inflammation by releasing biologically active mediators. Leukotrienes are released from activated mast cells via an IgE-dependent mechanism, and play a crucial role in ocular allergic inflammation. In this study, the effect of three topical antiglaucoma drugs, that is, latanoprost, timolol and GLC756, a novel dopamine D(2) agonist and D(1) antagonist, on leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) release after rat mast cell activation was examined.

Methods: A rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3 mast cell line was activated via IgE/anti-IgE. Rat mast cells were incubated with latanoprost, timolol, or GLC756 at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10 and 30 microM. LTC(4) concentration in supernatant was assessed 5 h post activation by EIA.

Results: Compared with controls, timolol showed no relevant effect on LTC(4) release, 5 h after mast cell activation. Latanoprost and GLC756, in contrast, revealed an inhibitory effect on LTC(4) release, which was dose-related and statistically significant at the concentrations of 10 and 30 microM.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that timolol has no significant influence on LTC(4) release from activated mast cells. By contrast, latanoprost and GLC756 inhibited LTC(4) release, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory effect on ocular allergic inflammatory processes in topical glaucoma medication.