Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Topical proparacaine and episcleral venous pressure in the rabbit
David O Zamora1, Jeffrey W Kiel
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. zamorado@uthscsa.edu
Purpose:
To determine the effect of proparacaine-induced topical anesthesia on episcleral venous pressure (EVP).
Methods:
In anesthetized rabbits (n = 11), EVP was measured with a servonull micropressure system, with glass pipettes with 2- to 3-microm tips used to cannulate episcleral veins. Additional measurements included arterial, intraocular, and orbital venous pressures obtained by direct cannulation, to assess the ocular pressure gradients, and carotid blood flow and heart rate, to verify preparation stability. The protocol entailed 5 to 10 minutes of stable baseline recording followed by topical application of proparacaine (0.5%, 10 microL) with continued measurements for another 5 to 15 minutes.
Results:
Baseline EVP without topical anesthesia was 12.3 +/- 1.1 mm Hg. EVP decreased significantly to 8.7 +/- 0.9 mm Hg within minutes after application of proparacaine. A small decrease also occurred in intraocular pressure. All other measured variables were unchanged.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that the episcleral circulation is under tonic neural control and that either an upstream resistance site is under tonic vasodilatory control or a downstream site is under vasoconstrictor control.
More Related Videos
07:02A Rabbit Venous Interposition Model Mimicking Revascularization Surgery using Vein Grafts to Assess Intimal Hyperplasia under Arterial Blood Pressure
Published on: May 15, 2020
07:34Microsurgical Venous Pouch Arterial-Bifurcation Aneurysms in the Rabbit Model: Technical Aspects
Published on: May 11, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system...
Vapor Pressure
Definition and Measurement of Pressure: Atmospheric Pressure, Barometer, and Manometer
Constant Pressure Calorimetry
Vapor Pressure Lowering