Endogenous bioactive lipids and the regulation of conventional outflow facility

Perturbation of paracrine signaling within the human conventional outflow pathway influences tissue homeostasis and outflow function. For example, exogenous introduction of the bioactive lipids, sphingosine-1-phosphate, anandamide or prostaglandin F_2α, to conventional outflow tissues alters the rate of drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm's canal. This review summarizes recent data that characterize endogenous bioactive lipids, their receptors and associated signaling partners in the conventional outflow tract. We also discuss the potential of targeting such signaling pathways as a strategy for the development of therapeutics to treat ocular hypertension and glaucoma.