Aqueous Outflow–Enhancing Effect of<i>tert</i>-Butylhydroquinone: Involvement of AP-1 Activation and MMP-3 Expression

Abstract

An AP-1 activator, tBHQ, upregulated expression of MMP-3 in cultured human TM cells and perfused human eyes and enhanced outflow ex vivo. These effects were blocked by sequestering AP-1, suggesting that activation of AP-1 can lead to increased MMP-3 production in the TM, which in turn improves outflow facility. This unique mechanism may provide a novel therapy for glaucoma.