[Pupillometry, a clinical-pharmacologic model; statement of its strengths and limitations]

A new non-invasive clinical pharmacological model, developed at out Institut, is reported. The principle of the model is the photographic determination of the diameter of the pupil before and after administration of drugs active at the pupilr muscle. The area of the pupilla as a parameter of drug effect can be predicted mathematically. With the reported model the area under the area time curve, the pupillar index and the mean myotic or mydriatic time is determined. The area under the curve gives information about the extent of the drug effect. The pupillar index takes the maximum diameter into account and is even more sensitive than the area under the curve, correcting steep and flat profiles of the area time curve. The mean mydriatic or myotic time gives a robust measurement concerning the duration of the drug effect. To prove the relevance of our model we used treptilamine hydrochloride in four different formulations orally and intravenously. The results show: 1. The model is appropriate to show the effect of drugs on the smooth pupillar muscle concerning rate and extent; 2. The drug treptilamine hydrochloride does change the diameter of the pupils; 3. The drug is active after oral application.