Effects of antioxidants on ischemic retinal dysfunction

Transient occlusion of both common carotid arteries in normotensive rats leads to a reduction in the amplitude of the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG). The present study investigated whether the antioxidants vitamin E and lipoate attenuate the depression and enhance the recovery of the b-wave of the ERG in response to retinal ischemia. The ERG was recorded from halothane-anesthetized rats before. during and after transient (24 min) occlusion of both common carotid arteries. The substances were administered 20 minutes before or at the onset of ischemia. Both vitamin E (100 mg kg-1) and lipoate (100 mg kg-1) significantly reduced the depression of the b-wave during occlusion and accelerated recovery during reperfusion at either time point of application. The present results suggest that antioxidants provide protection against ischemic retinal dysfunction.