Effects of topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on prostaglandin e2-induced aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits.

We evaluated the effects of anti-inflammatory potency of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits. Transcorneal diffusion of PGE2, 25 microg/ml (7.09 x 10(-2) mmol/l), with the use of a glass cylinder was achieved to produce aqueous flare elevation. Anti-inflammatory drugs were topically administered once before PGE2 application. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. Topical single instillation of dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate 0.1%, dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%, and fluorometholone 0.1% 6 h before PGE2 application inhibited 56, 59, and 43% of flare elevation, respectively. Topical single instillation of bromfenac sodium 0.1% and pranoprofen 0.1% 1 h before PGE2 application inhibited 33 and 15% of flare elevation, respectively. Indomethacin 0.5% did not inhibit flare elevation. Corticosteroid eyedrops needed several hours from topical instillation to exhibit inhibition of flare elevation. Most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug eyedrops inhibited aqueous flare elevation when instilled 1 h before PGE2 application. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel