[Computer-assisted static and dynamic pupillometry for the characterization of tricyclic antidepressive agent,...

Utilizing static and light-evoked dynamic pupillometry, in a placebo-controlled study 14 normal volunteers (9 males and 5 females) in the age range between 22 to 40 years were studied before and after administration of one single dose of 2 mg cianopramine (Ro 11-2465), further after 3 weeks therapy with 1, 2 and 3 mg cianopramine, respectively, and after a superimposed single dose of 3 mg cianopramine on the top of chronic administration. After acute administration of 2 mg cianopramine, marked pupillary changes started already in the 2nd h, peaked in the 4th h and lasted up to the 10th h. While the widening of the pupil indicates the adrenergic and possible noradrenergic effect of cianopramine on the pupil, the attenuation of spontaneous fluctuations suggests concomitant fatigue. The attenuation of the light-evoked narrowing of the pupillary diameter as well as the reduction of pupillary dynamics (increase of latency time and decrease of relative changes) reflect the direct and/or indirect efficacy of cianopramine on the light reaction of the pupil. After chronic administration the changes (as compared with baseline) are still visible although less pronounced than after acute therapy which suggests adaptation phenomena. A superimposed single dose of 3 mg cianopramine in addition to the 3-week chronic treatment did not result in further changes as compared with the chronic effect--with one exception of an additional decrease of spontaneous fluctuations.