If fate — namely the 1956 Revolution in Hungary — had not intervened, Laszlo Bito would have chosen fiction writing for his lifelong goal. Because of his involvement in the revolution, he had to escape and arriving to the USA he needed to chose a more practical, less language dependent career. He decided on biomedical research in which field he became professor at Columbia University in New York. After writing more than hundred and fifty scientific articles and several books and having achieved more than he ever expected — including the development of a new approach to the medical management of glaucoma (several US and international patents) resulting in the development of the eye drops Xalatan and Xalacom, that saved the eyesight of millions, he had retired at the age of 63, to devote full time to the writing of fiction and essays. He maintains homes in Budapest, Hungary; New York City and Seattle, WA.

 

    BORN – 1934

  • — Born in Budapest, HUNGARY, 7 September 1934.

    UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: 1956-1959

  • — Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
  • — Major: Chemistry; Minor: Biology
  • — B.A. degree in 1960

    GRADUATE EDUCATION: 1959-1963

  • — Columbia University, NY
  • — Subcommittees on Biophysics and Medical Cell Biology
  • — Ph.D. degree in 1963

    POST-DOCTORAL TRAINING: Two years with Dr. Hugh Davson

  • — 1963-1964 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
  • — 1964-1965 Department of Physiology, Uni[/column_three_fourth_last]versity College, London, England

    SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER HONORS

  • — Full scholarship at Bard College (1956-1959)
  • — John Bard Scholar (1958)
  • — Arthur Martin Scholar (1959)
  • — NIH Pre-doctoral Fellowship (1959-1963)
  • — NIH Post-doctoral Fellowship (1963-1965)
  • — Semmelweis Scientific Society Award (1974)
  • — Alcon Research Institute Award (1985)
  • — The Endre Balazs Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Experimental Eye Research (1988)
  • — The Proctor Medal, Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology (2000)
  • — The Samuel Bard Award for Medicine (2001)
  • — Pharmacia receives Drug of the Year Award for Xalatan (2002)
  • — Columbia University Award for Distinguished Achievement (2004)
  • — Helen Keller Prize (2013)

    ACADEMIC POSITIONS HELD

  • — 1964-1965 Honorary Research Assistant, Department of Physiology, University College London
  • — 1965-1966 Instructor of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1967-1974 Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1974-1975 Senior Research Associate, Department of Ophthalmology Research Division, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1975-1977 Senior Research Associate and Head of the Ocular Physiology Laboratory, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1975-1979 Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • — 1977-1980 Associate Professor of Ocular Physiology, Department of Ophthalmology Research Division, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1979-1988 Visiting Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • — 1980-1997 Professor of Ocular Physiology, Department of Ophthalmology Research Division, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1998-present Professor Emeritus of Ocular Physiology (in Ophthalmology), Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — 1998-present Special Lecturer, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York

    TEACHING ACTIVITIES

  • — Basic Science Course for ophthalmology residents, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — Supervision and student conferences, Eye Histology Laboratory, Histology Course for First-year Medical and Dental Students, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — Lectures on ocular physiology, Basic Science Course for South American Ophthalmologists, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • — Post-doctoral training program, direct sponsorship of post-doctoral trainees, Department of Ophthalmology, Research Division, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
  • — Supervision of medical students on their Research Electives in Ophthalmology, Columbia University Department of Ophthalmology, Research Division.

    EDITORIAL ACTIVITIES

  • — 1970-1999 Served as Reviewer, Referee or Editor for the following journals:
  • — — Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
  • — — Current Eye Research,
  • — — Ophthalmology,
  • — — Archives of Ophthalmology,
  • — — Prostaglandins,
  • — — The Journal of Physiology (London),
  • — — Journal of Ocular Pharmacology,
  • — — The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics,
  • — — and other scientific publications
  • — — 1974-1975 Co-edited with Hugh Davson and J. D. Fenstermacher a multiauthor monograph entitled “The Ocular and Cerebrospinal Fluids” (Academic Press, London, 1977).
  • — 1975-1997 Member of Editorial Board, Experimental Eye Research
  • — 1978-1984 Executive Editor, Experimental Eye Research
  • — 1984-1988 Section Editor, Experimental Eye Research
  • — 1987-1988 Co-edited with Johan Stjernschantz multi-author volume on “The Ocular Effects of Prostaglandins and Other Eicosanoids” (Alan Liss, New York, 1989).
  • — 1996-1997 Edited “Ocular Effects of Prostaglandins and Other Eicosanoids.” Special Supplement based on the 9th International PG Symposium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 12-13 May 1995) and the ARVO SIG Sessions on Latanoprost (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 22-23 April 1996).
  • — Survey of Ophthalmology Vol. 41, Suppl 2, 1997

    SERVICE ON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEES

  • — 1971-1975 Member of the NIH (DRG) Visual Sciences Study Section
  • — 1972-1975 Member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Program Committee for Physiology and Pharmacology
  • — 1973-1974 Member of the Organizing Committee for the First Congress of the International Society for Eye Research (Italy, 1974)
  • — 1974-1975 Chairman of the Physiology-Pharmacology Section of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • — 1974-1997 Member of the Board of Directors, International Society for Eye Research
  • — 1975-1976 Co-organizer (with Hugh Davson) of the Fogarty International Center Symposium on Ocular and Cerebrospinal Fluids (Bethesda, Maryland, 1976)
  • — 1975-1976 Member of the Organizing Committee for the Second Congress of the International Society for Eye Research (Israel, September 1976)
  • — 1985-1989 Councilor of the International Society for Eye Research
  • — 1985-1996 Organized and moderated the yearly international symposia on the Ocular effects of Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators

    PAST MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES

  • — Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • — American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
  • — American Physiological Society
  • — International Society for Eye Research
  • — New York Academy of Sciences
  • — American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • — American Chemical Society, Division of Medicinal Chemistry

    SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS (Not including Abstracts)

  1. — Bito LZ, Harding CV. Tritium retention by corneal endothelium after incorporation of H3-thymidine. Arch Ophthalmol 65: 553-556, 1961.
  2. — Bito L, Davson H. Steady-state concentrations of potassium in the ocular fluids. Exp Eye Res 3: 283-297, 1964.
  3. — Bito LZ, Harding CV. Patterns of cellular organization and cell division in the epithelium of the cultured lens. Exp Eye Res 4: 146-161, 1965.
  4. — Bito LZ, Davson H, Levin E, Murray M, Snider N. The relationship between the concentrations of amino acids in the ocular fluids and blood plasma of dogs. Exp Eye Res 4: 374-380, 1965.
  5. — Bito LZ, Davson H, Snider N. The effect of autonomic drugs on mitosis and DNA synthesis in the lens epithelium and on the composition of the aqueous humor. Exp Eye Res 4: 54-61, 1965.
  6. — Bito LZ, Davson H. Local variations in cerebrospinal fluid composition and its relationship to the composition of the extracellular fluid of the cortex. Exp Neurol 14: 264-280, 1966.
  7. — Bito LZ, Bradbury MWB, Davson H. Factors affecting the distribution of iodide and bromide in the central nervous system. J Physiol (London) 185: 323-354, 1966.
  8. — Bito L, Davson H, Levin E, Murray M, Snider N. The concentrations of free amino acids and other electrolytes in cerebrospinal fluid, in vivo dialysate of brain, and blood plasma of the dog. J Neurochem 13: 1057-1067, 1966.
  9. — Bito LZ, Hyslop K, Hyndman J. Antiparasympathomimetic effects of cholinesterase inhibitor treatment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 157: 159-169, 1967.
  10. — Davson H, Bradbury M, Bito L. Kinetics of cerebrospinal
  11. — fluid exchange. In: Brain Edema. Klatzo I and Seitelberger F (Eds.), Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 347-356, 1967.
  12. — Bito LZ: The absence of sympathetic role in anti-ChE- induced changes in cholinergic transmission. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 161: 302-309, 1968.
  13. — Bito LZ: Animal restrainers for unanesthetized cats and rabbits. Lab. Animal Care 19: 244-246, 1969.
  14. — Bito LZ, Dawson J. Coprecipitation of amino acids with tungstic acid precipitation of plasma proteins. Anal Biochem 28: 95-109, 1969.
  15. — Bito LZ. Blood-brain barrier: Evidence for active anion transport between blood and the extracellular fluid of brain. Science 165: 81-83, 1969.
  16. — Bito LZ, Eakins KE. The effect of general anesthesia on the chemical composition of blood plasma of normal rabbits. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 169: 277-286, 1969.
  17. — Bito LZ, Banks N. Effects of chronic cholinesterase inhibitor treatment. I. The pharmacological and physiological behavior of the anti-ChE-treated monkey (Macaca mulatta) iris. Arch Ophthalmol 82: 681-686, 1969.
  18. — Bito LZ, Myers RE. The ontogenesis of haematoencephalic cation transport processes in the rhesus monkey. J Physiol (London) 208: 153-170, 1970.
  19. — Bito LZ. Intraocular fluid dynamics. I. Steady-state concentration gradients of magnesium, potassium and calcium in relation to the sites and mechanisms of ocular cation transport processes. Exp Eye Res 10: 102-116, 1970.
  20. — Bito LZ, Salvador EV. Intraocular fluid dynamics. II. Postmortem changes in solute concentrations. Exp Eye Res 10: 273-287, 1970.
  21. — Bito LZ, Dawson MJ. The site and mechanism of the control of cholinergic sensitivity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 175: 673-684, 1970.
  22. — Bito LZ, Dawson MJ, Petrinovic L. Cholinergic sensitivity: Normal variability as a function of stimulus background. Science 172: 583-585, 1971.
  23. — Bito LZ, Myers RE. On the physiological response of the cerebral cortex to acute stress (reversible asphyxia). J Physiol (London) 221: 349-370, 1972.
  24. — Bito LZ. Accumulation and apparent active transport of prostaglandins by some rabbit tissues in vitro. J Physiol (London) 221: 371-387, 1972.
  25. — Bito LZ. Comparative study of concentrative prostaglandin accumulation by various tissues of mammals and marine vertebrates and invertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol 43A: 65-82, 1972.
  26. — Bito LZ, Salvador EV. Intraocular fluid dynamics. III. The site and mechanism of prostaglandin transfer across the blood intraocular fluid barriers. Exp Eye Res 14: 233-241, 1972.
  27. — Bito LZ. Absorptive transport of prostaglandins from intraocular fluids to blood: a review of recent findings. Exp Eye Res 16: 299-306, 1973.
  28. — Bito LZ, Saraf S. The effects of cold on corneal thickness and on aqueous humor and blood plasma composition of Rana pipiens. Exp Eye Res 16: 315-325, 1973.
  29. — Bito LZ, Roberts JC, Saraf S. Maintenance of normal corneal thickness in the cold in vivo (hibernation) as opposed to in vitro. J Physiol (London) 231: 71-86, 1973.
  30. — Bito LZ. Inhibition of uveal prostaglandin transport in experimental uveitis. In: Prostaglandins and Cyclic AMP: Biological Actions and Clinical Applications. Kahn R and Land W (Eds.), Academic Press, Inc., New York and London, pp. 213-214, 1973.
  31. — Myers RE, Bito LZ. Ontogenesis of blood-brain barrier function in primate: CSF cation regulation. In: Foetal and Neonatal Physiology. Proceedings of the Sir Joseph Barcroft Centenary Symposium held at the Physiological Laboratory, Cambridge, July 25-27, 1972, Cambridge University Press, pp. 40- 48, 1973.
  32. — Bito LZ, Roberts JC. The effects of hibernation on the chemical composition of cerebrospinal and intraocular fluids, blood plasma and brain tissue of the woodchuck (Marmota monax). Comp Biochem Physiol 47A: 173-193, 1974.
  33. — Bito LZ, Baroody R. Concentrative accumulation of 3H- prostaglandins by some rabbit tissues in vitro: The chemical nature of the accumulated 3H-labeled substances. Prostaglandins 7: 131-140, 1974.
  34. — Bito LZ, Spellane PJ. Saturable, “carrier-mediated”, absorption of prostaglandin F2a from the in vivo rabbit vagina and its inhibition by prostaglandin F2ß Prostaglandins 8: 345- 352, 1974.
  35. — Bito LZ. The effects of experimental uveitis on anterior uveal prostaglandin transport and aqueous humor composition. Invest Ophthalmol 13: 959-966, 1974.
  36. — Bito LZ, Turansky DG. Photoactivation of pupillary constriction in the isolated in vitro iris of a mammal (Mesocricetus auratus). Comp Biochem Physiol 50A: 407-413, 1975.
  37. — Bito LZ. Are prostaglandins intracellular, transcellular or extracellular autocoids? Prostaglandins 9: 851-855, 1975.
  38. — Bito LZ. Saturable, energy-dependent, transmembrane transport of prostaglandins against concentration gradients. Nature 256: 134-136, 1975.
  39. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. Inhibition of pulmonary prostaglandin metabolism by inhibitors of prostaglandin biotransport (probenecid and bromcresol green). Prostaglandins 10: 633-639, 1975.
  40. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. Impermeability of rabbit erythrocytes to prostaglandins. Am J Physiol 229: 1580-1584, 1975.
  41. — Bito LZ, Davson H, Salvador EV. Inhibition of in vitro concentrative prostaglandin accumulation by prostaglandins, prostaglandin analogues and by some inhibitors of organic anion transport. J Physiol (London) 256: 257-271, 1976.
  42. — Bito LZ, Davson H, Hollingsworth JR. Facilitated transport of prostaglandins across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid and blood-brain barriers. J Physiol (London) 256: 273-285, 1976.
  43. — Bito LZ, Wallenstein M, Baroody R. The role of transport processes in the distribution and disposition of prostaglandins. In: Prostaglandins and Thromboxane Research. Vol. 1. Samuelsson B and Paoletti R (Eds.), Raven Press, New York, pp. 297-303, 1976.
  44. — Bito LZ, Salvador EV. Effects of anti-inflammatory agents and some other drugs on prostaglandin biotransport. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 198: 481-488, 1976.
  45. — Bito LZ. Normale Schwankungen und medikamentos verursachte Anderungen der Empfindlichkeit des Auges fur Miotika. In: Glaukom-Symposium. Wurzburg 1974, Leydhecker W and Ferdinand Enke (Eds.) Verlag, Stuttgart, p. 57-67, 1976.
  46. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandin biotransport and its inhibition by some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In: Second Congress of the Hungarian Pharmacological Society, Symposium on Prostaglandins. Knoll J and Kelemen K (Eds.), Akademiai Kiado, Budapest, 1976.
  47. — Bito LZ. Inhibition of renal prostaglandin metabolism and excretion by probenecid, bromcresol green and indomethacin. Prostaglandins 12: 639-646, 1976.
  48. — Bito LZ. Inflammatory effects of endotoxin-like contaminants in commonly used protein preparations. Science 196: 83-85, 1977.
  49. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA, Reitz ME. The dependence of pulmonary prostaglandin metabolism on carrier-mediated transport processes. Am J Physiol 232: E382-E387, 1977.
  50. — Worgul BV, Bito LZ, Merriam GR. Intraocular inflammation produced by X-irradiation of the rabbit eye. Exp. Eye Res. 25: 53-61, 1977.
  51. — Bito LZ, Salvador EV, Petrinovic L. Intraocular fluid dynamics. IV. Intraocular sites of solute utilization and transport as revealed by studies on aphakic eyes. Exp Eye Res 26: 47-55, 1978.
  52. — Bito LZ, Wallenstein MC. Transport of prostaglandins across the blood-brain and blood-aqueous barriers and the physiological significance of these absorptive transport processes. In: The Ocular and Cerebrospinal Fluids. Fogarty International Symposium. Bito LZ, Davson H, and Fenstermacher J (Eds.) Academic Press, London, pp. 229-243, 1977.
  53. — Wallenstein MC, Bito LZ. Prostaglandin E1-induced alterations in visually evoked response and production of epileptiform activity. Neuropharmacol 16: 687-694, 1977.
  54. — Camras CB, Bito LZ, Eakins KE. Reduction of intraocular pressure by prostaglandins applied topically to the rabbit eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 16: 1125-1134, 1977.
  55. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. A comparison of renal prostaglandin and p-aminohippuric acid transport processes. Am J Physiol 234: F80-F88, 1978.
  56. — Salvador EV, Roberts JC, Bito LZ. Concentrative accumulation of prostaglandins in vitro at 7o and 37oC by tissues of normothermic and hibernating woodchucks (Marmota monax). Comp Biochem Physiol 60A: 173-176, 1978.
  57. — Bito LZ. The physiology and pathophysiology of intraocular fluids. In: The Ocular and Cerebrospinal Fluids. Fogarty International Symposium, Bito LZ, Davson H, and Fenstermacher J (Eds.) Academic Press, London, pp. 273-289, 1977.
  58. — Wallenstein MC, Bito LZ. Hyperthermic effects of supracortically applied prostaglandins after systemic pretreatment with inhibitors of prostaglandin transport and synthesis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 204: 454-460, 1978.
  59. — Stetz D, Bito LZ. The insensitivity of the chicken eye to the inflammatory effects of X-rays in contrast to its sensitivity to other inflammatory agents. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 17: 412-419, 1978.
  60. — Wallenstein MC, Bito LZ. Prostaglandin E1-induced latent epileptogenic foci. Electroenceph Clin Neurophysiol J 46: 106-109, 1979.
  61. — Wallenstein MC, Bito LZ. The effects of intravitreally injected prostaglandin E1 on retinal function and their enhancement by a prostaglandin-transport inhibitor. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 17: 795-799, 1978.
  62. — Bito LZ, Merritt SQ, DeRousseau CJ. Intraocular pressure of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). I. An initial survey of two free-breeding colonies. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 18: 785-793, 1979.
  63. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. Gradual changes in the sensitivity of rhesus monkey eyes to miotics and the dependence of these changes on the regimen of topical cholinesterase inhibitor treatment. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 18: 794-801, 1979.
  64. — Camras CB, Bito LZ. The pathophysiological effects of nitrogen mustard on the rabbit eye: I. The biphasic intraocular pressure response and the role of prostaglandins. Exp Eye Res 30: 41-52, 1980.
  65. — DiBenedetto FE, Bito LZ. The kinetics and energy dependence of prostaglandin transport processes. I. In vitro studies on the rate of PGF2a accumulation by the rabbit anterior uvea. Exp Eye Res 30: 175-182, 1980.
  66. — Bito LZ, Merritt SQ. Paradoxical ocular hypertensive effect of pilocarpine on echothiophate iodide treated primate eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 19: 371-377, 1980.
  67. — Camras CB, Bito LZ. The pathophysiological effects of nitrogen mustard on the rabbit eye: II. The inhibition of the initial hypertensive phase by capsaicin and the apparent role of Substance P. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 19: 423-428, 1980.
  68. — Bito LZ, DeRousseau CJ. Transport functions of the blood-retinal barrier system and the micro-environment of the retina. In: The Blood-Retinal Barriers, Cunha-Vaz JG (Ed.) Plenum Publishing Co., New York, pp. 133-163, 1980.
  69. — Baroody RA, Bito LZ. The impermeability of the basic cell membrane to thromboxane-B2, prostacyclin and 6-keto- PGF19. Prostaglandins, 21: 133-142, 1981.
  70. — DeRousseau CJ, Bito LZ. Intraocular pressure of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) II. Juvenile ocular hypertension and its apparent relationship to ocular growth. Exp Eye Res 32: 407-17, 1981.
  71. — Bunke A, Bito LZ. Gradual increase in the sensitivity of extraocular muscles to acetylcholine during topical treatment of rabbit eyes with isoflurophate. Am J Ophthalmol 92: 259-67, 1981.
  72. — Camras CB, Bito LZ. Reduction of intraocular pressure in normal and glaucomatous primate (Aotus trivirgatus) eyes by topically applied prostaglandin F2a. Curr Eye Res 1: 205-9, 1981.
  73. — Bito LZ, Klein EM. The unique sensitivity of the rabbit eye to X-ray-induced ocular inflammation. Exp Eye Res 33: 403-12, 1981.
  74. — Bito LZ, Klein EM. The role of the arachidonic acid cascade in the species-specific X-ray-induced inflammation of the rabbit eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 22: 579-587, 1982.
  75. — Stern FA, Bito LZ. A comparison of the hypotensive and other ocular effects of prostaglandin E2 and F2a on cat and rhesus monkey eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 22: 588-598, 1982.
  76. — Bito LZ, DiBenedetto FE, Stetz D. Homeostasis of the retinal micro-environment. I. Magnesium, potassium and calcium distributions in the avian eye. Exp Eye Res 34: 229-237, 1982.
  77. — Kaufman PL, Bito LZ. The occurrence of senile cataracts, ocular hypertension and glaucoma in rhesus monkeys. Exp Eye Res 34: 287-291, 1982.
  78. — Bito LZ, Nichols RR, Baroody RA. A comparison of the miotic and inflammatory effects of biologically active polypeptides and prostaglandin E2 on the rabbit eye. Exp Eye Res 34: 325-337, 1982.
  79. — Bito LZ, DeRousseau CJ, Kaufman PL, Bito JW. Age- dependent loss of accommodative amplitude in rhesus monkeys: An animal model for presbyopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 23: 23-31, 1982.
  80. — Kaufman PL, Bito LZ, DeRousseau CJ. The development of presbyopia in primates. Trans Ophthalmol Soc UK 102: 323-326, 1983.
  81. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. The penetration of exogenous prostaglandin and arachidonic acid into, and their distribution within, the mammalian eye. Curr Eye Res 1: 659-669, 1982.
  82. — Siminoff R, Bito LZ. The effects of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid on the electroretinogram: Evidence for functional cyclooxygenase activity in the retina. Curr Eye Res 1: 635-642, 1982.
  83. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA, Backerman A. The mechanism of peptidergic miosis. I. The structural basis of miotic potency among biologically active polypeptides. Curr Eye Res 1: 559- 565, 1982.
  84. — Klein EM, Bito LZ. Species variations in the pathophysiological responses of vertebrate eyes to the chemical irritant, nitrogen mustard. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 24: 184-191, 1983.
  85. — Bito LZ, Draga A., Blanco J, Camras CB. Long-term maintenance of reduced intraocular pressure by daily or twice daily topical application of prostaglandins to cat or rhesus monkey eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 24: 312-319, 1983.
  86. — Bito LZ, Srinivasan BD, Baroody RA, Schubert H. Non-invasive observations on eyes of cats after long-term maintenance of reduced intraocular pressure by topical application of PGE2. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 24: 376-380, 1983.
  87. — McGahan MC, Bito LZ. The pathophysiology of the ocular microenvironment. I. Preliminary report on the possible involvement of copper in ocular inflammation. Curr Eye Res 2: 883-885, 1982/1983.
  88. — McGahan MC, Bito LZ. Determination of copper concentration in blood plasma and in ocular and cerebrospinal fluids using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Analy Biochem 135: 186-192, 1983.
  89. — Bito LZ. Comparison of the ocular hypotensive efficacy of eicosanoids and related compounds. Exp Eye Res. 38: 181-194, 1984.
  90. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandins, other eicosanoids, and their derivatives as potential antiglaucoma agents. In: Glaucoma: Applied Pharmacology in Medical Treatment. Drance SM and Neufeld AH (Eds.) Grune & Stratton, Inc., New York, pp. 477-506, 1984.
  91. — Bito LZ. Species differences in the responses of the eye to irritation and trauma: A hypothesis of divergence in ocular defense mechanisms, and the choice of experimental animals for eye research. Exp Eye Res 39: 807-829, 1984.
  92. — Bito LZ. Composition of intraocular fluids and the microenvironment of the retina. In: Handbook of Neurochemistry. Vol. 8, Lajtha A (Ed.), Plenum Publishing Corp., New York, pp. 231-252, 1985.
  93. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandins and related compounds as potential ocular therapeutic agents. In: Biological Protection with Prostaglandins. Vol. 1, Cohen MM (Ed.), CRC Press, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, pp. 231-252, 1985.
  94. — LZ. Absorptive transport of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids across the blood-brain barrier system and its physiological significance. In: The Blood-Brain Barrier in Health and Disease. Suckling AJ, Rumsby MG, and Bradbury MWB (Eds.), Ellis Horwood Ltd., Chichester, England, pp. 109-121, 1986.
  95. — DiBenedetto FE, Bito LZ. Transport of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids by the choroid plexus: Its characterization and physiological significance. J Neurochem 46: 1725-1731, 1986.
  96. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids: Their ocular transport, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic effects. Trans Ophthalmol Soc UK 105: 162-170, 1986.
  97. — DeRousseau CJ, Bito LZ, Kaufman PL. Age-dependent impairments of the rhesus monkey musculoskeletal and visual systems and apparent behavioral consequences. In: The Cayo Santiago Macaques. History, Behavior and Biology. Rawlins RG and Kessler MJ (Eds), State University of New York Press, Albany, N.Y., pp 232-251, 1986.
  98. — McGahan MC, Bito LZ, Myers BM. The pathophysiology of the ocular microenvironment. II. Copper-induced ocular inflammation and hypotony. Exp Eye Res 42: 595-605, 1986.
  99. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. Ocular trace metal kinetics and toxicology. I. The distribution of intravitreally injected 67Cu++ within intraocular compartments and its loss from the globe. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 28: 101-105, 1987.
  100. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA. The ocular pharmacokinetics of eicosanoids and their derivatives. 1. Comparison of ocular eicosanoid penetration and distribution following the topical application of PGF29-1-methyl ester, and PGF29-1-isopropyl ester. Exp Eye Res 44: 217-226, 1987.
  101. — Koretz JF, Neider MW, Kaufman PL, Bertasso AM, DeRousseau CJ, Bito LZ. Slit-lamp studies of the rhesus monkey eye. 1. Survey of the anterior segment. Exp Eye Res 44: 307-318, 1987.
  102. — Bito LZ, Baroody RA, Miranda OC. Eicosanoids as a new class of ocular hypotensive agents. 1. The apparent therapeutic advantages of derived prostaglandins of the A and B type as compared with primary prostaglandins of the E, F and D type. Exp Eye Res 44: 825-837, 1987.
  103. — Bito LZ, Miranda OC. Presbyopia: Comparative and evolutionary perspectives. Atti Fond G Ronchi 40: 58-97, 1987.
  104. — Bito LZ, Kaufman PL, DeRousseau CJ, Koretz J. Presbyopia: An animal model and experimental approaches for the study of the mechanism of accommodation and ocular ageing. Eye 1: 222-230, 1987.
  105. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandins: Old concepts and new perspectives. Arch Ophthalmol 105: 1036-1039, 1987.
  106. — Bito LZ. Eicosanoid transport systems: Mechanisms, physiological roles, and inhibitors. In: Handbook of Eicosanoids, Vol. 1, Willis AL (Ed.) CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, 145-160, 1987.
  107. — Bito LZ, Miranda OC. Presbyopia: The need for a closer look. In: Presbyopia: Recent Research and Reviews from the Third International Symposium. Stark L and Obrech G (Eds.) Churchill/Professional Press, New York, pp 411-430, 1987.
  108. — Hayashi M, Yablonski ME, Bito LZ. Eicosanoids as a new class of ocular hypotensive agents. 2. Comparison of the apparent mechanism of the ocular hypotensive effects of A and F type prostaglandins. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 28: 1639 – 1643, 1987.
  109. — Baroody RA, Bito LZ, DeRousseau CJ, Kaufman PL. Ocular development and aging. 1. Corneal endothelial changes in cats and in free-ranging and caged rhesus monkeys. Exp Eye Res 45: 607 – 622; 1987.
  110. — Bito LZ. Presbyopia. Editorial. Arch Ophthalmol 106: 1526-1527, 1988.
  111. — Bito LZ, Miranda OC. Accommodation and presbyopia. Ophthalmol Ann 21: 103-128, 1989.
  112. — Bito LZ. A physiologic approach to the development of new drugs for glaucoma. Ophthalmol Clin North Am 2: 175-186, 1989.
  113. — Miranda OC, Bito LZ. The putative and demonstrated miotic effects of prostaglandins in mammals. Prog Clin Biol Res 312: 171-196, 1989.
  114. — Bito LZ, Camras CB, Gum GG, Resul B. The ocular hypotensive effects and side effects of prostaglandins on eyes of experimental animals. Prog Clin Biol Res 312: 349-368, 1989.
  115. — Bito LZ. A physiological approach to glaucoma management: The use of local hormones and the pharmacokinetics of prostaglandin esters. Prog Clin Biol Res 312: 329-348, 1989.
  116. — Stjernschantz J, Bito LZ. The ocular effects of eicosanoids and other autacoids: Historic background and the need for a broader perspective. Prog Clin Biol Res 312: 1-14, 1989.
  117. — Camras CB, Siebold EC, Lustgarten JS, Serle JB, Frisch SC, Podos SM, Bito LZ. Maintained reduction of intraocular pressure by prostaglandin PGF29-1-isopropyl ester applied in multiple doses in ocular hypertensive and glaucoma patients. Ophthalmology 96:1329-1337, 1989.
  118. — Rohen JW, Kaufman PL, Eichhorn M, Goeckner PA, Bito LZ. Functional morphology of accommodation in the raccoon. Exp Eye Res 48: 523-537, 1989.
  119. — Bito LZ. Surgical miosis: Have we been misled by a bunch of rabbits? Ophthalmology 97: 1-2, 1990.
  120. — Bito LZ, Miranda OC, Tendler MR, Resul B. Eicosanoids as a new class of ocular hypotensive agents. 3. Prostaglandin A2-1-isopropyl ester is the most potent hypotensive agent on feline eyes. Exp Eye Res 50: 419-428, 1990.
  121. — Crawford KS, Kaufman PL, Bito LZ. The role of the iris in accommodation of rhesus monkeys. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31: 2185-2190, 1990.
  122. — Neider MW, Crawford K, Kaufman PL, Bito LZ. In vivo videography of the rhesus monkey accommodative apparatus. Arch Ophthalmol 108: 69-74, 1990.
  123. — Crawford K, Gabelt BT, Kaufman PL, Bito LZ. Effects of various anesthetic and autonomic drugs on refraction in monkeys. Curr Eye Res 9: 525-532, 1990.
  124. — Wang R-F, Camras CB, Lee P-Y, Podos SM, Bito LZ. Effects of prostaglandins F2a, A2, and their esters in glaucomatous monkey eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31: 2466- 2470, 1990.
  125. — Zhan G-L, Miranda OC, Bito LZ. Steroid glaucoma: Corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension in cats. Exp Eye Res 54: 211-218, 1992.
  126. — Bito LZ. Glaucoma: A physiologic perspective with Darwinian overtones. J Glaucoma 1:193-205,1992.
  127. — Bito LZ. Transport functions of the blood-ocular and blood-brain barriers, and the microenvironment of neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. In: Segal MB (Ed.) Barriers and Fluids of the Eye and Brain. Macmillan Press, London, 1992. pp 14-23.
  128. — Camras CB, Schumer RA, Marsk A, Lustgarten JS, Serle JB, Stjernschantz J, Bito LZ, Podos SM. Intraocular pressure reduction in ocular hypertensive patients with PhXA34, a new prostaglandin analog. Arch Ophthalmol 110:1733-1738, 1992.
  129. — Resul B, Stjernschantz J, No K, Liljebris C, Selen G, Astin M, Karlsson M, Bito LZ. Phenyl-substituted prostaglandins: Potent and selective antiglaucoma agents. J Med Chem 36:243-248, 1993.
  130. — Racz P, Ruzsonyi MR, Nagy ZT, Bito LZ. Maintained intraocular pressure reduction with once-a-day application of a new prostaglandin F2_ analogue (PhXA41): An in-hospital placebo- controlled study. Arch Ophthalmol 111: 657-661, 1993.
  131. — Bito LZ, Stjernschantz J, Resul B, Carino OB, Basu S. The ocular effects of prostaglandins and the therapeutic potential of a new PGF29 analog, PhXA41 (Latanoprost), for glaucoma management. J Lipid Mediators 6: 535-543, 1993.
  132. — Racz P, Bito LZ. A glaucoma konzervatív kezelésének újabb lehetõségei. Gyógyszereink 43: 218-221, 1993.
  133. — Camras CB, Bito LZ, Parkhede U, Stjernschantz J, Resul B, USA Latanoprost Study Group. Comparison of latanoprost and timolol in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma — preliminary results of the USA multicenter trial. In: G.K. Krieglstein. Glaucoma update. Vol V. Heidelberg, Kaden Verlag, 1995. pp 205-216.
  134. — Racz P, Ruzsonyi MR, Nagy ZT, Gagyi Z, Bito LZ. Around-the- clock (circadian) intraocular pressure reduction with once-daily application of 0.005% latanoprost, by itself, or in combination with timolol. Arch Ophthalmol 114: 268-273, 1996.
  135. — Bito LZ. Impact of intraocular pressure on venous outflow from the globe: A hypothesis regarding IOP-dependent vascular damage in normal-tension and hypertensive glaucoma. J Glaucoma 5: 127-134, 1996.
  136. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandins: A new approach to glaucoma management with a new, intriguing side effect. Surv Ophthalmol 41 (Suppl 2): S1-S14, 1997.
  137. — Resul B, Stjernschantz J, Selen G, Bito LZ. Structure- activity relationships and receptor profiles of some ocular hypotensive prostanoids. Surv Ophthalmol 41 (Suppl 2): S47-S52, 1997
  138. — Mishima HK, Kiuchi Y, Takamatsu M, Racz P, Bito LZ. Circadian intraocular pressure management with latanoprost: Diurnal and nocturnal intraocular pressure reduction and increased uveoscleral outflow. Surv Ophthalmol 41 (Suppl 2): S139-S144, 1997.
  139. — Bito LZ, Racz P. Latanoprost (Xalatan): új lehetõség az elsõdleges nyitott zugú és normotenzív glaukóma kezelésében. Szemészet 134: 11-14, 1997.
  140. — Bito LZ, Matheny A, Cruickshanks KJ, Nondahl DM, Carino OB. Eye color changes past early childhood. Arch Ophthalmol 115: 659-663, 1997.
  141. — Bito LZ: Physiological aspects of glaucoma and its management, in Zimmerman T, Kooner K, Sharir M (eds): Textbook of Ocular Pharmacology. New York: Raven Press. 1997
  142. — Camras CB, Bito LZ, Toris CB. Prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues. In: Zimmerman T, Kooner K, Sharir M (Eds.). Textbook of Ocular Pharmacology. Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven Press. pp315-328, 1997
  143. — Croft MA, Kaufman PL, Crawford KS, Neider MW, Glasser A, Bito LZ. Accommodation dynamics in aging rhesus monkeys. Am J Physiol 275: R1885-R1897, 1998.
  144. — Zhan G-L, Toris CB, Camras CB, Wang Y-L, Bito LZ. Prostaglandin-induced iris color darkening. Arch Ophthalmol 116: 1065-1068, 1998.
  145. — Bito LZ. A new approach to the medical management of glaucoma, from the bench to the clinic, and beyond. The Proctor Lecture. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42(6): 1126-1133, 2001.
  146. — Bito LZ. Prostaglandin postscript: A personal reflection. Surv Ophthalmol 47 (Suppl 1): S231-S236, 2002.

    BOOKS

  • — Bito LZ, Davson H, Fenstermacher JD (Eds.) “The Ocular and Cerebrospinal Fluids.” Academic Press, London, 1977.
  • — Bito LZ, Stjernschantz J (Eds). “The Ocular Effects of Prostaglandins and Other Eicosanoids.” Alan R. Liss, New York, 1989.
  • — Bito LZ (Ed.) “Ocular Effects of Prostaglandins and Other Eicosanoids.” Special Supplement based on the 9th International PG Symposium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 12-13 May 1995) and the ARVO SIG Sessions on Latanoprost (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 22-23 April 1996). Survey of Ophthalmology Vol. 41, Suppl 2, 1997.

    PATENTS

  • — Several U.S. and international patents in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics.

 

    1996: The FDA Approval


FDA Approves Eye Institute’s New Glaucoma Drug
Latanoprost, a revolutionary new drug to treat glaucoma has received FDA approval and should be available for use by year’s end. Developed under the direction of Dr. Laszlo Z. Bito, Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University, Latanoprost is believed to increase the eye’s natural outflow of the aqueous humor, a fluid produced in the eye to help keep its shape and to nourish the lens and the cornea. The result is a significant reduction in intraocular pressure. Taken as a single daily eye drop, latanoprost is an effective, well-tolerated and easy-to-administer treatment. The drug is expected to minimize the discomfort patients often experience with other therapies, helping glaucoma patients who suffer from varying ocular pressure, as well as those for whom taking medication several times a day is difficult.

See the full article in the Newsletter (1996 Fall) of Harkness Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University