The effect of selective α1- and α2-adrenoceptor stimulation on intraocular pressure in the conscious rabbit

Abstract

The influence of topically applied selective α₁- and α₂-adrenoceptor agonists on intraocular pressure and the diameter of the pupil was investigated in conscious rabbits. Selective stimulation of the α₁-subtype of receptors induced an elevation in intraocular pressure, accompanied by mydriasis, whereas stimulation of the α₂-subtype caused a marked and dose-dependent ocular hypotensive response, which was blocked by the selective α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. α₂-Agonists induced neither macroscopic ocular side effects, nor an effect on the pupil size. Possibly, the subclass of α₂-adrenoceptor stimulating drugs represent a group of new antiglaucomatous agents.