Effect of Tetrahydrozoline on the Permeability of Trabecular Meshwork Cell Monolayer

Purpose: To investigate the effects of tetrahydrozoline (THZ) on the survival of cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) and the permeability of HTMC monolayer. Methods: Primary cultured HTMC were exposed to an adrenergic agonist (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 μM THZ) for 1 day and 3 days. Carboxyfluorescein permeability through the HTMC monolayer was measured using Transwell. Cellular viability and nitric oxide (NO) production were assessed using MTT and Griess assays, respectively. Results: THZ did not affect the cellular survival (p > 0.05) or NO production (p > 0.05). THZ significantly increased the carboxyfluorescein permeability through the HTMC monolayer in a dose-dependent manner compared with non-exposed control (p < 0.05) after exposure for 1 and 3 days. Conclusions: THZ does not affect the survival of HTMC but decreases the permeability of HTMC monolayer in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, THZ may possibly decrease trabecular outflow. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2017;58(1):69-73