Prostaglandin E₂ and protein levels in rabbit aqueous humor following ND:YAG laser iridotomy

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and protein levels were measured in the aqueous humor of rabbits' eyes subjected to iridotomy with the neodymium:YAG laser. Following irradiation, PGE₂ levels were elevated to the highest elevation of 20.0 ± 7.7 ng/ml (mean ± SD) at 30 minutes as compard to control levels of 0.625 ± 0.075 ng/ml. PGE₂ concentrations progressively decreased, however, after 8 hours they remained high and did not resume control levels. Protein levels in the aqueous humor of ND:YAG irradiated eyes reached peak levels at 30 minutes to 7.8 ± 2.2 mg/ml compared to control level of 1.3 ± 0.4 mg/ml. A progressive decrease in protein levels was observed after peak time, but they were still above control levels, at 8 hours. Our study demonstrated that ND:YAG irradiation of the iris involves an immediate increase in PGE₂ aqueous levels associated with a blood aqueous barrier disruption and augmented aqueous protein levels.