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The effect of mannitol infusion on retinal function and oxygen tension
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|July 1, 1977
Summary
Intravenous mannitol temporarily restored vision in rhesus monkeys with elevated intraocular pressure. This effect was linked to increased retinal oxygen, suggesting mannitol
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can decrease the visual evoked response (VER).
- The therapeutic potential of mannitol in acute glaucoma requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of intravenous mannitol on VER in rhesus monkeys with experimentally induced high IOP.
- To determine if mannitol's effect on VER is related to its ocular hypotensive properties or changes in retinal oxygen tension.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys underwent induced elevation of intraocular pressure.
- Intravenous mannitol was administered.
- Visual evoked responses and retinal oxygen tension were monitored.
Main Results:
- Mannitol administration led to a temporary recovery of the visual evoked response (VER).
- Mannitol infusion caused an immediate, transient increase in retinal oxygen tension.
- These observed changes were independent of mannitol's ocular hypotensive effect.
Conclusions:
- Mannitol demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for acute glaucoma.
- The recovery of VER appears to be mediated by increased retinal oxygen tension, not solely by IOP reduction.
