Abstract: Provided is a system for modeling the conventional outflow tract, including: a porous scaffold with trabecular meshwork cells attached to one surface and microvascular endothelial cells co-cultured on an opposite surface transforming the microvascular endothelial cells into Schlemm's canal cell-like cells. Also provided is a method for using the system for screening by contacting the cells with a known or suspected medicament and measuring its effects on the system such as flow of a perfusate. Also provided is a method of making the system by fabricating the porous substrate as a micropatterned scaffold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treatment for an intraocular pressure (IOP)-associated condition in a subject, that include administering to the subject an effective amount of a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the IOP-associated condition is glaucoma. The administration of a tPA therapeutic agent can be an extended administration intended to cause a reduction in IOP in the subject for a period of at least one day to a year or more, relative to IOP levels in the subject prior to administration of the tPA therapeutic agent. The tPA therapeutic agent can be, for example, tPA, a tPA derivative, a small molecule direct or indirect tPA agonist, or a gene therapy vector.