Synthetic prostamide analog, bimatoprost

Synthetic prostamide analog, bimatoprost, and prostaglandin F2α analogs, such as latanoprost, travoprost and unoprostone are effective ocular hypotensive agents. The mechanism of IOP reduction involves secretion of metalloproteinases by ciliary smooth muscle cells and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, the resulting widening of intermuscular spaces, and ultimately an increase of uveoscleral outflow of aqueous. 

Although prostamides are structurally similar to prostaglandins, they exhibit no meaningful activity at prostanoid receptors.26 Experimental evidence suggests that prostamides may act as endogenous ligands at their own receptors (prostamide receptors). Nevertheless, prostamide activity has not been demonstrated in the absence of prostanoid receptor activity. 26Genetics play an important role on whether you will have long, thick and dark lashes or short and thin lashes. If your parents have thin lashes it follows that eyelash growth in the family is slow, too. In answer to these demands, the cosmetics industry has introduced eyelash growth products, careprost eye drops which proved to be saleable. Some products like careprost fulfill their promise of encouraging the growth of eyelashes; however, some bimatoprost ophthalmic products were also known to have side effects.

In a recent study, Liang at al identified 6 splicing variants of prostanoid FP receptor mRNA in human ocular tissues.27 Immunoprecipitation analysis further confirmed that the FP receptor is dimerized with FP receptor variant-4 (altFP4). It appears that the FP-altFP4 heterodimer maintains responsiveness to PGF2α and its analogs and acquires sensitivity to bimatoprost. It was also found that PGF2α and bimatoprost has a different calcium mobilization profile. PGF2α elicited a rapid increase in intracellular calcium followed by a steady state phase. In contrast, bimatoprost elicited an immediate increase in intracellular calcium followed by a second phase, and the prostamide antagonist.