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An. R. Acad. Nac. Farm., 2006, 72: 519-538
Sesiones
New Perspectives in Ocular Pharmacology:
Nucleotides as Therapeutic Agents
Recibido el 7 de octubre de 2006
JESÚS PINTOR *
Departamento de Bioquímca, E. U. Óptica.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
ABSTRACT
Diadenosine polyphosphates are a group of nucleotides which modulate
physiological processes in the eye such as tear secretion, corneal wound healing
and intraocular pressure. This regulation is carried out by P2 purinergic receptors
termed P2X and P2Y as well as dinucleotide receptors. Diadenosine polyphosphates
are present in tears and when topically applied they can produce tear secretion in
a process mediated by P2Y receptors. P2Y receptors are also present in corneal
epithelial cells and they can accelerate the rate of re-epithelialization after
superficial injuries. On the other hand, intraocular pressure is reduced by all those
nucleotides activating P2X receptors. Due to the importance of the presence of
these receptors in ocular structures it is possible to think in the use of dinucleotides,
naturally occurring and synthetic ones, for the treatment of dry eye, corneal injuries
and glaucoma.
Key words: Corneal wound healing.—Diadenosine polyphosphates.—Dry eye.—
Glaucoma.—Intraocular pressure.—Nucleotide receptors.
* Discurso de ingreso como Académico Correspondiente.
Dirección de contacto: Dep. Bioquímica. E.U. Óptica. Universidad Complutense de
Madrid. C/ Arcos de Jalón, s/n. 28037. Madrid. Telf.: +34-91-3946859. Fax: +34-91-
3946885.
E-mail: jpintor@vet.ucm.es
Abbreviations: ABC, ATP binding cassette; ApnA, diadenosine polyphosphates; CFTR,
the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; HPLC, high performance
liquid chromatography; IOP, intraocular pressure.
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