Effects of K-115, a rho-kinase inhibitor, on aqueous humor dynamics in rabbits

Purpose: To evaluate the topical instillation of K-115, a selective Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular distribution, and aqueous humor dynamics in experimental Animals.

Methods: Kinase inhibition by K-115 was measured by biochemical assay. IOP was monitored using a pneumatonometer in albino rabbits and monkeys after topical instillation of K-115. The ocular distribution of [(14)C]K-115 was determined by whole-head autoradiography. The aqueous flow rate was determined by fluorophotometry. The total outflow facility and uveoscleral outflow were measured by two-level constant pressure perfusion and perfusion technique using fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, respectively.

Results: Biochemical assay showed that K-115 had selective and potent inhibitory effects on ROCKs. In rabbits, topical instillation of K-115 significantly reduced IOP in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum IOP reduction was observed 1 h after topical instillation, which was 8.55 ± 1.09 mmHg (mean ± SE) from the baseline IOP at 0.5%. In monkeys, maximum IOP reduction was observed 2 h after topical instillation, which was 4.36 ± 0.32 mmHg from the baseline IOP at 0.4%, and was significantly stronger than that of 0.005% latanoprost. Whole-head autoradiography showed that the radioactivity level was maximum at 15 min after instillation of [(14)C]K-115 in the ipsilateral eye. Single instillation of 0.4% K-115 showed no effect on aqueous flow rate or uveoscleral outflow, but significantly increased conventional outflow facility by 2.2-fold compared to vehicle-treated eyes in rabbits.

Conclusions: These results indicated that K-115 ophthalmic solution, a selective and potent ROCK Inhibitor, is a novel and potent antiglaucoma agent.