Relationship between the Magnitude of Intraocular Pressure during an Episode of Acute Elevation and Retinal Damage Four Weeks later in Rats

Abstract

Purpose:To determine relationship between the magnitude of intraocular pressure (IOP) during a fixed-duration episode of acute elevation and the loss of retinal function and structure 4 weeks later in rats.Methods:Unilateral elevation of IOP (105 minutes) was achieved manometrically in adult Brown Norway rats (9 groups; n = 4 to 8 each, 10-100 mm Hg and sham control). Full-field ERGs were recorded simultaneously from treated and control eyes 4 weeks after IOP elevation. Scotopic ERG stimuli were white flashes (-6.04 to 2.72 log cd.s.m-2). Photopic ERGs were recorded (1.22 to 2.72 log cd.s.m-2) after 15 min of light adaptation (150 cd/m2). Relative amplitude (treated/control, %) of ERG compon..