Trabodenoson, an Adenosine Mimetic With A1 Receptor Selectivity Lowers Intraocular Pressure by Increasing Conventional Outflow Facility in Mice

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between the IOP-lowering effect of trabodenoson and the associated structural and functional changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Methods Six independent cohorts of young and aged mice were exposed to three different topical once-a-day formulations of trabodenoson and eyes were compared to those treated with placebo drops. IOP was measured daily just before drug administration using rebound tonometry. Outflow facility was measured in enucleated eyes. Flow patterns and morphology of conventional outflow tissues were monitored using tracer beads and standard histology, respectively. In parallel, three-dimensional human TM tissue constructs (3D-HTM) were grown and used in experiments to test effect of trabodenoson on the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-14 plus MMP-2 activity. Results Topical administration of trabodenoson significantly lowered IOP on every day tested, up to 7 days. After 2 days of treatment, outflow facility increased by 26% in aged mice and 30% overall (young and aged mice), which was significantly different from vehicle (P < 0.05). Outflow facility was 15% higher than controls after 7 days of treatment (P = 0.07). While gross morphology was not affected by treatment, the intensity of tracer bead distribution increased by day 7 (P = 0.05). Parallel experiments in 3D-HTM showed that trabodenoson treatment significantly increased MMP-2 activity and MMP-14 abundance, while decreasing fibronectin and collagen IV expression. Conclusions Trabodenoson alters ECM turnover by TM cells and increases conventional outflow facility, which accounts for its ability to lower IOP in young and aged mice.