Matrine Reduces Intraocular Pressure in Corticosteroid-Induced Ocular Hypertensive Mouse Eyes

Purpose: This study investigates the potential of matrine, a quinolizidine alkaloid, in regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal and corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension (OHT) mice. Methods: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal and OHT groups. The OHT mouse model was established by periocular conjunctival fornix injections of dexamethasone-21-acetate (DEX). IOP was measured at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 6.0 hours after matrine treatment in both groups. Aqueous humor (AH) outflow facility was measured using our previously described/validated perfusion system. Anterior segment-optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate morphological changes in the anterior chamber following matrine treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate structural changes. Results: Matrine treatment (50–200 µg/g) decreased the IOP in normal mice in a dose-dependent manner. AH outflow facility in normal mice elevated at 0.5 hours after matrine treatment (100 and 200 µg/g). Additionally, 100 µg/g matrine treatment increased the angle opening distance in the anterior chamber. In DEX-induced OHT mice, matrine (100 and 200 µg/g) reduced the elevated IOP and increased the AH outflow facility. Furthermore, 100 µg/g matrine treatment increased the angle opening distance compared with that of PBS-treated controls. However, matrine (100 µg/g) did not induce significant changes in trabecular meshwork gross morphology or the expression of cell contractility and extracellular matrix markers in OHT mice at 0.5 hours after treatment. Conclusions: Matrine decreased the IOP in the DEX-induced OHT mouse model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing glaucoma, particularly in corticosteroid-associated secondary cases.