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Central imidazoline (I(1)) receptors modulate aqueous hydrodynamics
1Department of Pharmacology, Merck & Co, Inc., Merck Research Laboratories, West Point, Pennsylvania, USA.
Central imidazoline (I(1)) receptors and sympathetic innervation are key to moxonidine
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuropharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Moxonidine (MOX) acts on alpha(2) and imidazoline (I(1)) receptors.
- Central I(1) receptors' role in ocular hemodynamics is not fully understood.
- Sympathetic innervation's influence on ocular responses to central MOX requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the contribution of central I(1) receptors to moxonidine's ocular effects.
- To investigate the role of sympathetic innervation in moxonidine-induced ocular hypotension.
- To analyze the impact of central moxonidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor flow.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of moxonidine (MOX) and efaroxan (EFA) in New Zealand white rabbits.
- Unilateral sympathectomy (SX) was performed to assess the role of sympathetic innervation.
- Measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor flow rate.
Main Results:
- I.c.v. MOX caused dose-dependent decreases in IOP in normal rabbits.
- Efaroxan (EFA) inhibited the ocular hypotensive response to MOX.
- Sympathectomy attenuated MOX's IOP-lowering effect and altered its duration, while abolishing changes in aqueous flow.
- MOX reduced aqueous flow in normal eyes but not in sympathectomized eyes.
Conclusions:
- Central I(1) receptors modulate ocular hydrodynamic responses to moxonidine.
- Intact sympathetic innervation is essential for the full ocular hypotensive effect of centrally administered MOX.
- Moxonidine's effect on IOP in sympathectomized eyes may involve alterations in outflow resistance, potentially via uveoscleral outflow.
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