The implication of dopamine in the modulation of the standing potential of the eye was tested in the chicken by an indirect electrooculogram (EOG) method. After a single rapid systemic injection of dopamine, a transient dose-dependent increase in the EOG voltage was observed. EOG recordings during light and dark adaptation were performed after retinal dopamine depletion was induced by intraocular injections of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The eyes were injected on two successive days with a mixture of 6-OHDA (50 micrograms), pargyline (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor), and ascorbate added as an antioxidant. Following this treatment EOG recordings were performed 1, 4, and 8 days after the second injection. The electrophysiological changes appeared most spectacular on the fourth day: an important increase in the EOG basal values as well as of the amplitude of the light peak and of the dark trough were observed. Substantial reduction in retinal concentration of dopamine was found in treated retinas. These unexpected electrophysiological data offer additional evidence for the involvement of a catecholamine in the generation of the light peak and the dark trough of the EOG.