Ocular effects of alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation in anesthetized cats

J Ocul Pharmacol. 1994 Spring;10(1):149-56. doi: 10.1089/jop.1994.10.149.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of direct administration of the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulant, B-HT 933, on choroidal blood flow, intraocular pressure and pupil size in anesthetized cats. Anterior segment choroidal blood flow was measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry. B-HT 933 administered by intra-arterial, topical and intracameral routes produced a significant depression of ocular blood flow which was largely abolished by pretreatment with rauwolscine. B-HT 933 did not lower IOP in any of these preparations. The largest doses of B-HT 933 caused a modest mydriasis when given intracamerally. However, this pupillary dilation was not blocked by rauwolscine. These results demonstrate that alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation can produce pronounced depression of anterior segment choroidal blood flow but does not cause a concomitant lowering of IOP or mydriasis in anesthetized cats.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Azepines / administration & dosage
  • Azepines / pharmacology*
  • Blood Flow Velocity / drug effects
  • Cats
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Male
  • Pupil / drug effects*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Azepines
  • azepexole