Vasoactive responses of U46619, PGF2alpha, latanoprost, and travoprost in isolated porcine ciliary arteries

PURPOSE: To compare the vasoactive properties of the prostanoids U46619 (thromboxane A2 analogue), prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)), latanoprost free acid, and travoprost free acid in isolated porcine ciliary arteries. METHODS: In a myograph system (isometric force measurement), quiescent vessels were exposed (cumulatively) to U46619, PGF(2alpha), latanoprost, or travoprost (0.1 nM-0.1 mM). Experiments were also conducted in the presence of SQ 29548 (TP-receptor antagonist; 3-10 microM) or AL-8810 (FP-receptor antagonist; 3-30 microM). Contractions were expressed as the percentage of 100 mM potassium chloride-induced contractions. RESULTS: In quiescent vessels, contractions (concentration-response curves) induced by (0.1 mM) PGF(2alpha) (87.9% +/- 3.5%), U46619 (66.7% +/- 4.1%), and latanoprost (62.9% +/- 3.6%) were more pronounced (P < or = 0.001) than those induced by travoprost (23.0% +/- 4.4%). Concentration-response curves for PGF(2alpha), latanoprost, and travoprost were preceded by a smaller contraction peak (0.1 microM) that was higher (P < or = 0.05) for travoprost (24.4% +/- 2.8%) than for PGF(2alpha) (12.9% +/- 4.6%), but not different (P = 0.58) from latanoprost (22.0% +/- 3.0%). The 50% maximal contraction (PD50: negative log M concentration) of U46619 (-8.05 +/- 0.13) was lower (P < or = 0.001) than those of latanoprost (-5.65 +/- 0.10), PGF(2alpha) (-5.49 +/- 0.14), and travoprost (-5.12 +/- 0.52). Contractions were inhibited (P < or = 0.05-0.001) either by SQ 29548 or AL-8810. CONCLUSIONS: In isolated porcine ciliary arteries, all prostanoids tested induced contractions. Among them, travoprost appeared to be the least potent and U46619 the most efficient.