柚皮素对大鼠眼血流和脉络膜新生血管的作用(英文)

目的:研究柚皮素对激光诱发大鼠脉络膜新生血管形成(CNV)、高眼压兔眼血流和缺血大鼠眼视网膜功能恢复的作用。方法:选择雄性棕色挪威大鼠,采用激光诱发Bruch膜破裂后,予10g/L(20mg/kg)柚皮素,1次/d,持续4wk;光凝后2,4wk分别做眼底荧光血管造影,评估CNV的形成。采用彩色微球技术、眼电生理技术检测兔眼血流和大鼠视网膜功能恢复。结果:与对照组比较,10g/L柚皮素能明显增加高眼压兔眼脉络膜血流(P<0.05),能明显增加缺血大鼠眼视网膜功能恢复(P<0.05),能明显减轻光凝点荧光素渗漏(75.8%～95.0%,P<0.01)。结论:柚皮素能抑制激光诱发大鼠络膜新生血管形成;增加高眼压兔眼脉络膜血流;增加缺血大鼠眼视网膜功能恢复。     

Effects of N-nitropyrazoles on ocular blood flow of rabbits and retinal function recovery of rat eyes after ischemic insults.

Twelve compounds of N-nitropyrazoles were studied for their effects on ocular blood flow in rabbits and retinal function recovery in rat eyes after ischemic insults. Of the twelve N-nitropyrazoles examined, nine increased choroidal blood flow while five increased retinal blood flow significantly. On the other hand, all twelve compounds increased blood flow in iris and ciliary muscle without exception. As for retinal function recovery after ischemic insult in rat eyes, eight out of the twelve compounds showed more significant facilitation than the control. The structure activity relationship of the N-nitropyrazoles to increase ocular blood flow and to facilitate retinal function recovery after ischemic insults were discussed.     

Effect of naringenin on NaIO3-induced retinal pigment epithelium degeneration and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats

AIM: To study the effects of naringenin eye drops on NaIO3-induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rat eyes. · METHODS: The 35mg/kg NaIO3-induced RPE degeneration was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops 3 times a day for 7 days in advance of NaIO3 injection, and then 2 to 4 weeks thereafter, RPE function was measured with C-wave of electroretinogram (ERG). The laser-induced CNV rats were treated with laser to break the Bruch's membrane and the CNV formation was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops instilled 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. The CNV formation was measured with fluorescein angiography (FA) and flat mount. · RESULTS: Two weeks after NaIO3 injection, the amplitude of ERG C-wave fell markedly in NaIO3 group to 53% of normal group (P <0.01). No apparent difference was observed in naringenin+NaIO3 group. Four weeks later, the NaIO3 group fell to 37% of normal group (P <0.01), while the naringenin+ NaIO3 group fell to only 57% of normal group (P <0.01). There was a 52% reversal of the ERG C-wave by naringenin as compared to NaIO3 treated group (P <0.05). Two weeks and four weeks after laser treatment, naringenin reduced the CNV formation to 53% and 49% of control group (100%) measured by FA (P <0.01). Four weeks after laser treatment, naringenin reduced the CNV formation by 47% as compared to control group measured with flat mount(P <0.01). · CONCLUSION: Naringenin can significantly protect RPE from NaIO3 induced degeneration and also prevent CNV formation.     

Effect of Z,E-butylidedephthalide on experimental choroidal neovascularization in rat and ocular blood flow in rabbits

To investigate the effect of Z,E-butylidedephthalide (Bdph)on laser-induced experimental choroidal neovasculari- zation (CNV) in rat model and choroid blood flow in rabbits' eyes. · METHODS: Male Brown Norway rats were treated with Nd:YAG laser to break Bruch's membrane. 30mg/kg and 15mg/kg Bdph were given daily through intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks after laser treatment. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and choroidal flat mount were used to measure the development of CNV. Female New Zealand white rabbits' eyes were instilled with 10g/L Z,E-BdPh solution, and ocular blood flow was measured with colored microsphere technique. · RESULTS: The intensity of fluorescein leakage, indicating the ocular lesion, decreased significantly in group Bdph 30mg/kg and 15mg/kg, as compared to the control at P <0.01. The area of neovascularization checked by FA in both groups of Bdph, at 30mg/kg and 15mg/kg decreased significantly compared to the control group at P <0.05. On the choroid flat mount, the areas of CNV were also smaller in both Bdph groups than that in control group. One percent drug solution instilled into rabbits' eyes could improve the choroid blood flow at 30 and 60 minutes after drug instillation (P <0.05). · CONCLUSION: Z,E-butylidedephthalide can inhibit the development of CNV in the rat eyes and increase the choroid blood flow in the rabbit eyes. These results suggest that Z,E-butylidedephthalide may be a good agent for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).     

Effect of flavone on the ocular blood flow and formation of choroidal neovascularization

AIM: To investigate the effect of flavone on ocular blood flow in rabbit eyes and the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rat model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In in vivo studies, colored microsphere technique was used to determine the ocular blood flow in ocular hypertensive rabbit eyes. The rat eyes were treated with 0.5% flavone eye drops 3 times a day for 1 week before and 4 weeks after laser-induced injury of Bruch's membrane. The development of CNV was determined by fluorescein angiography (FA) performed on the 2nd and 4th after injury. In in vitro studies, the effect of flavone on the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells HUVECs was measured by MTT assay. RESULTS: The ocular blood flow in rabbit eyes was significantly increased after flavone instillation. Flavone significantly inhibited the formation of laser induced CNV. In vitro results showed that flavone inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs. CONCLUSION: Flavone could increase ocular blood flow and inhibit the formation of CNV.     

Z,E-butlidedephthalide对大鼠脉络膜新生血管和兔眼血流的影响

目的:研究Z,E-butylidedephthalide(Bdph)对激光诱导的大鼠脉络膜新生血管(CNV)和兔眼脉络膜血流的影响.方法:雄性Brown Norway大鼠行Nd:YAG激光诱导眼底Bruch膜破裂,而后分别予30 mg/kg和15 mg/kg Bdph 1 次/d腹腔注射,连续4 wk.2 wk及4 wk末行眼底荧光血管造影检查.4 wk末制作脉络膜平片测量新生血管的面积.用1 g/L Z,E-butylidenephthalide给雌性新西兰大白兔点眼,采用彩色微球技术测量大白兔眼部血流的变化.结果:和对照组相比,Bdph 30 mg/kg和15 mg/kg组大鼠眼底血管荧光渗漏明显减少,P＜0.01;在此两组中,眼底荧光血管造影测定的新生血管面积以及脉络膜平片测定的新生血管面积都比对照组减少.10 g/L Z,E-butylideneph-thalide滴入兔眼30和60 min后脉络膜血流均比对照组增加,P＜0.05.结论:Z,E-butylidedephthalide可以抑制大鼠脉络膜新生血管的生长,增强兔眼脉络膜血流,可能成为治疗年龄相关性黄斑变性的新药.     

Naringenin在碘酸钠诱导的视网膜色素上皮细胞变性和激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管鼠模型中的作用

目的:研究naringenin滴眼对碘酸钠诱导的大鼠视网膜色素上皮(retinal pigment epithelium,RPE)变性以及对激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管(choroidal neovascularization,CNV)的作用。方法:10g/Lnaringenin滴眼液预先处理1wk(3次/d),1wk后予35mg/kg碘酸钠舌下静脉注射诱导大鼠RPE变性,在2wk和4wk末,视网膜电图(electroretinogram,ERG)测量C波。另预处理1wk(3次/d),在2wk和4wk末用荧光素血管造影(fluorescein angiography,FA)和荧光显微镜测量CNV面积。结果:碘酸钠注射后2wk,碘酸钠组ERG的C波下降至对照组的53%(P<0.01)。而naringenin+碘酸钠组则无明显变化。4wk后,碘酸钠组下降至对照组的37%(P<0.01),而naringenin+碘酸钠组下降至对照组的57%(P<0.01)。与碘酸钠组比较,naringenin+碘酸钠组控制了66%的C波下降(P<0.05)。35mg/kgnaringenin组FA测量的CNV面积2,4wk末分别是对照组的53%和49%(P<0.01)。4wk后naringenin组荧光显微镜测量的CNV面积是对照组的47%(P<0.01)。结论:10g/Lnaringenin可以显著保护碘酸钠诱导的RPE变性,也能减小CNV的形成。     

Naringenin在碘酸钠诱导的视网膜色素上皮细胞变性和激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管鼠模型中的作用

目的：研究naringenin滴眼对碘酸钠诱导的大鼠视网模色素上皮（retinal pigment epithelium,RPE）变性以及对激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管（choroidal neovascularization,CNV）的作用。方法：10g/L naringenin滴眼液预先处理1wk（3次／d）,1wk后予35mg／kg碘酸钠舌下静脉注射诱导大鼠RPE变性,在2wk和4wk末,视网膜电图（electroretinogram,ERG）测量C波。另预处理1wk（3次／d）,在2wk和4wk末用荧光素血管造影（fluoreseein angiography,FA）和荧光显微镜测量CNV面积。结果：碘酸钠注射后2wk,碘酸钠组ERG的C波下降至对照组的53％（P〈0．01）。而naringenin＋碘酸钠组则无明显变化。4wk后,碘酸钠组下降至对照组的37％（P〈0．01）,而naringenin＋碘酸钠组下降至对照组的57％（P〈0．01）。与碘酸钠组比较,naringenin＋碘酸钠组控制了66％的C波下降（P〈0．05）。35mg／kg naringenin组FA测量的CNV面积2,4wk末分别是对照组的53％和49％（P〈0．01）。4wk后naringenin组荧光显微镜测量的CNV面积是对照组的47％（P〈0．01）。结论：10g/L naringenin可以显著保护碘酸钠诱导的RPE变性,也能减小CNV的形成。     

黄酮对眼部血流量和脉络膜新生血管的作用

目的:观察黄酮对兔眼部血流量和大鼠脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的作用。方法:在体研究中,我们采用彩色微球技术测定黄酮对兔眼部血流量的影响。预先给予5g/L黄酮滴眼液(3次/d),1wk后用激光诱导大鼠CNV的生成,在2和4wk末,采用荧光血管造影(FA)测量CNV面积。离体研究中,采用MTT法检测黄酮对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)存活率的影响。结果:黄酮显著的增加了兔眼部血流量,抑制了由激光诱导的CNV的生成。离体研究结果表明,黄酮抑制了HU-VEC的增生。结论:黄酮能够增加眼部血流量,并且抑制CNV的生成。     

Effect of Quercetin on Formation of Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) in Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD)

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a disease entity is "dry" at early stage and made up of two main components at late stage:atrophic AMD and exudative AMD. Quercetin acts as an anti-oxidant to protect retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) from damaged by oxidative stress, but its effect on formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV)in AMD is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of quercetin on the formation of CNV in AMD. Methods:The development of CNV induced by laser was detected by fluorescein angiography (FA). Colored microsphere technique was used to determine the choroidal blood flow in ocular hypertensive rabbit eyes.In in vitro studies, HUVECs were treated with NaIO3, H2O2 and NaN3 to induce oxidative cell damages. The effect of quercetin on various oxidationsinduced injuries in HUVECs was measured by MTT assay. HUVECs migration was assessed using a wound healing assay. Results:Quercetin significantly inhibited the formation of laser-induced CNV.The choroidal blood flow in rabbit eyes was significantly increased after quercetin instillation. In vitro results showed quercetin enhanced various oxidations-induced injuries in HUVECs and inhibited migration of HUVECs during wound healing. Conclusion: Quercetin inhibited the formation of CNV both in vivo and in vitro and increased choroidal blood flow.It could become a promising candidate for the treatment of AMD.     

ZX-5及其光学异构体对兔眼血流和大鼠视网膜功能恢复的影响

目的:研究ZX-5对缺血后视网膜功能的恢复作用,并比较其光学异构体(R,R)-ZX-5和(S,S)-ZX-5对脉络膜血流及缺血后视网膜功能恢复的影响。方法:用彩色微球技术研究兔高眼压下(40mmHg)脉络膜血流的变化。用视网膜电生理仪测量b波,评价大鼠缺血后视网膜功能的恢复情况。结果:10g/L(R,R)-ZX-5滴眼液50μL能在不同时间点提高脉络膜血流(P<0.05),而(S,S)-ZX-5在相同条件下对提高脉络膜血流没有影响。ZX-5和(R,R)-ZX-5在不同时间点对视网膜缺血后功能恢复作用明显(P<0.05),(R,R)-ZX-5的作用优于ZX-5;而(S,S)-ZX-5对缺血后视网膜功能的恢复作用不明显。结论:ZX-5和(R,R)-ZX-5对增加脉络膜血流量和促进视网膜功能的恢复有显著功效,(R,R)-ZX-5恢复视网膜功能的作用更强,有可能进一步开发成有效防治眼血流障碍相关性眼病的药物。     

天然类黄酮分子中羟基基团在兔眼缺血损伤后眼球血流量和视网膜功能恢复的作用

目的:我们最近已报告有些天然类黄酮可影响眼球血流量。为阐明黄酮分子中羟基(OH)的作用,选择黄酮含1-4个羟基基团、附有或无糖、有或无甲氧基团,观察对眼球血流量和视网膜功能恢复的作用。方法:采用彩色微珠技术测定兔眼球血流量,视网膜电图监测视网膜功能的恢复。结果:黄酮含4个游离的羟基基团(毛地黄黄酮),似乎有增加眼球血流量和促进视网膜功能恢复的作用。含3个羟基基团(5,7,4'-三羟基黄酮)可迅速增加眼球血流量和恢复视网膜功能。少于2个羟基基团的黄酮(Chrysin),对眼球血流量无增加作用。黄酮附着有芦丁糖,并含2个游离的羟基和甲氧基团(Diosmin),对眼球血流量和视网膜功能均无作用,但是,含儿茶酚的黄酮附着有葡萄糖时(毛地黄黄酮-7-糖苷),会影响眼球血流量。黄酮附着有甲氧基,并含2个游离羟基基团(Acacetin),均影响缺血损伤后眼球血流量和视网膜功能的恢复。结论:黄酮分子中羟基基团数量的增加,可显著提高眼球血流量和促进视网膜功能的恢复,而在黄酮分子B环上有7个羟基基团和儿茶酚基团时,其作用最显著。     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands inhibit choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To determine the antiangiogenic effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists on ocular cells involved in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in vitro and on experimental laser photocoagulation-induced CNV in vivo. METHODS: PPAR-gamma expression in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and bovine choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) was determined using an RNase protection assay and Western blot analysis. Two PPAR-gamma ligands, troglitazone (TRO) and rosiglitazone (RSG; 0.1-20 microM), were used to assess effects on RPE and CEC proliferation and migration and CEC tube formation in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The effects of intravitreal injection of TRO on laser photocoagulation-induced CNV lesions in rat eyes (15 experimental, 15 control, nine burns per eye) and cynomolgus monkey eyes (two experimental, two control, seven paramacular burns per eye) was assessed by fluorescein angiography and histologic evaluation. RESULTS. PPAR-gamma1 was expressed in both RPE and CEC. PPAR-gamma ligands significantly inhibited VEGF-induced migration and proliferation in both cell types and tube formation of CEC in a dose-response manner. CNV in rats was markedly inhibited by intravitreous injection of TRO (P < 0.001). Lesions showed significantly less fluorescein leakage and were histologically thinner in the TRO-treated animals. Similar findings were present in the TRO-treated lesions in two monkey eyes. The drug showed no apparent adverse effects in the adjacent retina or in control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibition of VEGF-induced choroidal angiogenesis in vitro, and CNV in vivo by PPAR-gamma ligands suggests the potential application of these agents in the large group of patients with age-related macular degeneration complicated by CNV.     

Macular microcirculation blood flow in patients with age related macular degeneration treated with photodynamic therapy and transpupillary thermotherapy

PURPOSE: To assess the macular retinal and choroidal microcirculation blood flow in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT) or transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) with Doppler laser scanning (HRF--Heidelberg retinal flowmeter). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration were included in a prospective study. The diagnosis was established based on ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography results. In all cases the subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was present. Control group consists of the fellow eyes with early stage of AMD (19 eyes) or with disciform scar (11 eyes). In 15 eyes with active CNV PDT was performed and in remaining 15--TTT. In all cases the macular blood flow was measured with Heidelberg retina flowmeter (HRF) before therapy and then 1 week, 4 weeks and 10-12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: At the baseline examination in a group of eyes with active CNV the mean values of macular blood flow were significantly higher comparing to the fellow eyes and reached respectively: 678.6 +/- 125.0 AU and 298.4 +/- 79.2 AU (p=0.001). Four weeks after treatment all eyes showed the reduction of macular blood flow comparing to the baseline values (p=0.001). Ten to twelve weeks after laser therapy in all cases the increased macular blood flow was detected comparing to the previous examination (p=0.01). During the follow-up period the macular blood flow in the fellow eyes were significantly lower than in treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of macular blood flow using Doppler scanning laser (HRF--Heidelberg retinal flowmeter) may act as a non-invasive and useful diagnostic tool in assessment of CNV activity in patients with exudative age-related degeneration before and after PDT or TTT.     

Effects of some natural flavonoids on retinal function recovery after ischemic insult in the rat.

PURPOSE: There are six natural flavonoids studied recently and their effects on ocular blood flow measured with colored microsphere technique. It was found that three out of six compounds showed strong positive effects in increasing the ocular blood flow. In this study, we tried to find out whether these results can be translated on their effects to improve retinal function recovery after ischemic insult. METHODS: Electroretinography was used to measure the b-wave recovery as an indication of retinal function recovery. RESULTS: Naringenin, hesperetin, and rutin were found to produce marked positive effects on b-wave recovery, whereas naringin, hesperidin, and quercetin showed poor recovery of b-wave after ischemic insult of the retina. CONCLUSION: It was found that the compounds that showed strong increase of ocular blood flow also showed marked increase of retinal function recovery, whereas those that showed poor increase of ocular blood flow also showed poor effects on the retinal function recovery.     

Effects of hydralazine on ocular blood flow and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

AIM: To investigate the effect of hydralazine on choroidal blood flow in rabbits and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats and on tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODS: Female New Zealand white rabbits were used with raised intraocular pressure (IOP) of the left eye to 40mmHg. Hydralazine (10g/L) eye drops were instilled and ocular blood flow was measured with colored microspheres technique. Male Brown Norway rats were treated with Nd:YAG laser to break Bruch's membrane. Hydralazine (5, 10, 20g/L) eye drops or saline alone was instilled three times a day for 4 weeks after laser treatment. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and choroidal flat mount were used to measure the area of CNV. Tube formation of HUVEC was studied at different concentrations of hydralazine. RESULTS: With raised IOP to 40mmHg on rabbits, 10g/L hydralazine eye drops enhanced the choroidal blood flow significantly at 30 and 60 minutes after drug instillation. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, 5, 10 and 20g/L hydralazine eye drops all reduced the CNV formation dramatically measured by fluorescein angiography and choroidal flat mount. When HUVEC was cultured on matrix gel for 48 hours, the tube formation of HUVEC were prevented.by hydralazine at 3-30mg /L. CONCLUSION: Hydralazine prevents CNV formation in vivo and HUVEC tube formation in vitro, and enhances rabbits' choroidal blood flow after ischemia. It is hoped that hydralazine could be used to treat age-related macular degeneration in the future.     

Photodynamic therapy in young patients with choroidal neovascularization following traumatic choroidal rupture

PURPOSE: To assesses the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in young patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Of 26 eyes with traumatic choroidal rupture followed since 1984 at the retina service of university hospitals, all eyes diagnosed with CNV and treated with PDT were included. Medical records including comprehensive eye examination, retinal photography, and intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) were studied. RESULTS: Five patients (mean age, 18 years) developed CNV and received an average of two PDT treatments. Three patients had improved visual acuity (VA), one remained stable, and one experienced visual loss. Final IVFA showed absence of leakage in four eyes and decreased leakage in the eye with decreased VA. CONCLUSIONS: In young patients, PDT may be a reasonable treatment for CNV secondary to choroidal rupture. No ocular or systemic PDT complications were encountered in this young population.     

Effect of topical epinephrine and timolol on ocular and optic nerve blood flow in phakic and aphakic rabbit eyes

The effects of 4% epinephrine bitartrate and 0.5% timolol on ocular and optic nerve blood flow were studied in phakic and aphakic rabbit eyes using a radioactive microsphere (85Sr) technique. Either epinephrine or timolol was given topically as eight drops in the hour immediately preceding blood flow measurements (one drop every 7.5 minutes). Epinephrine decreased anterior uveal blood flow in both phakic and aphakic eyes, whereas timolol exhibited no effect. Retinal and choroidal blood flow were not affected by either timolol or epinephrine in phakic eyes. In aphakic eyes, epinephrine increased choroidal blood flow without altering retinal blood flow, whereas timolol increased both retinal and choroidal blood flow. Optic nerve blood flow was increased in epinephrine treated phakic and aphakic eyes and also in timolol treated aphakic eyes.     

复方血塞通联合康柏西普治疗病理性近视脉络膜新生血管的疗效

目的:分析复方血塞通联合康柏西普对病理性近视脉络膜新生血管(choroidal neovascularization,CNV)患者黄斑中心视网膜厚度(central macular retinal thickness,CMT)、荧光素眼底血管造影及最佳矫正视力(BCVA)的影响.方法:根据不同治疗方法将60例60眼病理性CNV患者分为观察组(复方血塞通联合康柏西普治疗)与对照组(单纯康柏西普治疗),各30例,比较两组患者治疗前后CMT、眼压(IOP)、CNV面积、BCVA及血清中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)变化情况,统计随访期间并发症情况.结果:观察组术后12wk视力恢复总有效率(97%)显著高于对照组的80%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与术前比较,两组患者术后12wk时CMT、IOP、CNV面积及血清VEGF水平均显著下降,BCVA显著提高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),且观察组术后上述指标均明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).两组患者均无局部并发症及全身严重并发症发生.结论:复方血塞通联合康柏西普能有效降低CMT及IOP,缩小CNV面积,显著提高视力.     

Validation of scanning laser Doppler flowmetry for retinal blood flow measurements in animal models

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of scanning laser Doppler flowmetry in retinal blood flow measurement in vivo using rabbit and monkey eyes and the microsphere technique. METHODS: A commercially available scanning laser Doppler flowmeter (SLDF), pigmented rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys were used. In rabbits, SLDF measurements at a retinal field approximately one papillary diameter away from the optic nerve head where discrete retinal vessels were not visible (vascularized medullary field) were compared with those at a field approximately one papillary diameter below the ONH (nonvascularized extramedullary field). The effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on SLDF measurements was studied by elevating the IOP manometrically in both rabbit and monkey eyes. Retinal and choroidal blood flow measurements using the microsphere technique and an SLDF measurements were performed simultaneously in the same rabbit eye before and 30 min after 0.3 mg/kg intravenous injection of lomerizine, a calcium antagonist, or intravitreal injection of 20 microl of 10(-6) M endothelin-1. RESULTS: The blood flow measurement with an SLDF (SLDF flow) obtained from the medullary field in rabbits were 304 +/- 63 in an arbitrary unit (n = 24), while 392 +/- 39 in the extramedullary field. SLDF flow did not significantly changed by changes in IOP when it was below 50 mmHg, significantly decreasing with IOP elevation above that level in rabbits and a similar tendency was also seen in monkeys. It showed a significant correlation with retinal blood flow measured by the microsphere technique (r = 0.596, P < 0.0001) in rabbits; no correlation was found with the choroidal blood flow rate (r = 0.021, P > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: SLDF measurements is thought to mainly reflect retinal circulation in rabbits and monkeys.