Effects of endothelin-1 on calcium-independent contraction of bovine trabecular meshwork

Background Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known to induce contraction of trabecular meshwork (TM) and is probably involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Calcium (Ca2+)-independent contraction has been shown in TM, and its inhibition may represent an interesting way of influencing outflow facility, and thus intraocular pressure (IOP). This study investigates the role of ET-1 and its receptors ET-A and ET-B (ET-AR and ET-BR) in TM Ca2+-independent contractility.