EFFECTS OF TOPICAL ANANDAMIDES ON INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE IN NORMOTENSIVE RABBITS

A series of anandamide-type compounds were synthesized and studied for their effect on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of normotensive pigmen ted rabbits. Each test compound was dissolved in an aqueous 2-hydroxyp ropyl-beta-cyclodextrin solution and administered (31.25 - 62.5 mu g) unilaterally to the eye. The most promising anandamides caused a stati stically significant reduction of IOP in treated eyes, usually precede d by an initial transient elevation of IOP, compared to saline control s. In the contralateral untreated eyes, only a marginal or short hypot ensive response was observed. Indomethacin pre-treatment (12.5 mg, s.c .) eliminated the IOP response to administered anandamides and arachid onic acid.