THE ACTION OF SYMPATHOMIMETIC AMINES ON THE OUTFLOW OF AQUEOUS HUMOUR FROM THE EYE

Abstract

The actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on the resistance to outflow of aqueous humour from the rabbit eye are described. In some experiments, correlations have been made with pupil diameter. Intravitreous injections of adrenaline, noradrenaline and large doses of isoprenaline decreased the resistance to outflow of fluid from the eye and dilated the pupil. Intravitreous injection of phentolamine was without effect on the intraocular pressure and resistance to outflow of aqueous humour, although such injections resulted in miosis. The actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline and large doses of isoprenaline on the outflow resistance were antagonized by phentolamine. Postganglionic sympathetic denervation did not affect the aqueous humour dynamics when the eyes where examined 2 weeks later, but all the denervated eyes exhibited miosis at this time. Much smaller doses of noradrenaline were required to lower the intraocular pressure and decrease the resistance to outflow of aqueous humour in the denervated eyes; in addition, the dose/response curve for the effect of noradrenaline on the outflow resistance was shifted to the left in these experiments. These results support the view that adrenaline α-receptors are associated with the resistance to outflow of aqueous humour from the rabbit eye.