Effect of Minoxidil on Trabecular Outflow via the Paracellular Pathway

The study demonstrated that minoxidil sulfate (MS) increased trabecular meshwork (TM) permeability primarily through the paracellular pathway by downregulating tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-5. MS exposure did not affect caveolin-1 levels, indicating no significant impact on the transcellular pathway. Additionally, MS increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and the permeability increase was attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), suggesting ROS involvement in the process. The findings highlighted the need for further in vivo studies to fully understand the mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications.