Regulation of Glucocorticoid Responsiveness in Glaucomatous Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Glucocorticoid Receptor-β

Abstract

Purpose. Glucocorticoid administration can lead to increased intraocular pressure in greater than 90% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), compared with 30% to 40% of the general population. The molecular mechanisms for increased steroid responsiveness among patients with glaucoma are unknown. An alternative splicing variant of the human glucocorticoid receptor GRβ has dominant negative activity and has been implicated in a variety of steroid-resistant diseases. GRβ also may play a role in glucocorticoid hyperresponsiveness in glaucoma.