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Bromocriptine lowers intraocular pressure without affecting blood pressure
Lancet (London, England)
|June 4, 1983
Summary
Oral bromocriptine significantly reduced intraocular pressure in healthy volunteers. This suggests dopamine receptors play a role in regulating eye pressure, without affecting pupil size or vital signs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation is complex.
- Dopamine's role in ocular physiology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bromocriptine, a dopamine receptor agonist, on intraocular pressure.
- To assess the impact of bromocriptine on pupil diameter, heart rate, blood pressure, and systolic time intervals.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design.
- Involved 8 healthy volunteers for IOP and pupil diameter measurements.
- Included 6 healthy volunteers for cardiovascular and autonomic function assessments.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in intraocular pressure was observed 3 and 4 hours post-bromocriptine administration.
- No significant changes in pupil diameter were detected.
- No alterations in heart rate, blood pressure, or systolic time intervals were noted.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine receptors may be implicated in the physiological control of intraocular pressure.
- Bromocriptine's IOP-lowering effect warrants further investigation for potential therapeutic applications.
- Bromocriptine appears to selectively affect IOP without significant systemic cardiovascular or autonomic side effects at this dosage.