Effects of intravitreal perfusion with dopamine in different concentrations on the DC electroretinogram and the standing potential of the albino rabbit eye

The direct current electroretinogram and the standing potential were recorded from both eyes of 23 albino rabbits during intraocular perfusion of one of the eyes, which was vitrectomized, with a physiologic reference solution (PHS). PHS was then replaced by a test solution containing dopamine dissolved in PHS. The fluids were subsequently alternated (PHS-dopamine-PHS). During irrigation with 0.25–0.5 mM dopamine (11 rabbits) the c-wave amplitude was 140% higher (p < 0.001) and during irrigation with 25 mM dopamine (6 rabbits) 85% lower (p < 0.01) than it was during the corresponding initial perfusion with PHS. The simultaneously recorded b-wave amplitude was reduced (0.25–0.5 mM: -22%, p < 0.001; 25 mM: - 69%, p < 0.001) and the SP level increased (0.25–0.5 mM: +2375 V, p < 0.01; 25 mM: +2530 V, p < 0.05) compared with the values obtained during the corresponding preceding irrigation with PHS. Thus the changes in the b- and c-wave amplitudes during perfusion with dopamine were dependent on the concentration of the drug. In the contralateral control eye (23 rabbits) the c-wave amplitude was 21% higher (p < 0.001), the b-wave amplitude 14% higher (p < 0.001) and the standing potential 1007 V higher (p < 0.001) during intravitreal perfusion with dopamine in the other eye than during the preceding irrigation with PHS in that eye, possibly as a result of increasing dark adaptation.