OCULAR AND SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF ACETAZOLAMIDE IN NEPHRECTOMIZED RABBITS

Abstract

The effects of acetazolamide on intraocular pressure (IOP) were studied on rabbits previously nephrectomized to eliminate the renal effects of the drug. Administration of acetazolamide (5 mg/kg i.v.) reduced IOP from a baseline of 15.2 to 12.2 mm Hg 2 h later. This dose did not alter arterial blood pH, pCO2 [arterial CO2 tension] bicarbonate, or base excess. However, 4 h after drug administration, anterior chamber aqueous humor showed significant reductions in bicarbonate, pH and base excess, whereas aqueous humor ascorbate was significantly elevated. Administration of acetazolamide (15-50 mg/kg i.v.) to nephrectomized rabbits caused significant acidosis and pCO2 retention, presumably related to red blood cell carbonic anhydrase inhibition. IOP reduction at these higher doses was greater than that which followed the 5 mg/kg administration.