Analysis of orthograde fast axonal transport and nonaxonal transport along the optic pathway of albino rabbits during increased and decreased intraocular pressure

Orthograde fast axonal and nonaxonal transport through the optic disc was studied quantitatively and autoradiographically in albino rabbits during elevated (30 or 50 mmHg), normal (13–15 mmHg) and decreased (0–4 mmHg) intraocular pressure (IOP). In cases of intraocular hypertension up to 50 mmHg, autoradiographic findings of a disturbed orthograde fast axonal transport were seen in the optic disc within 3 hr. The blockage was relatively mild and uniform, and was distributed adjacent to the extension line of sclera. Despite this histological evidence of blockage, a quantitative analysis showed no statistically significant decrease in axonally transferred radioactivity within 3 hr. Decrease in the transferred material was evident at 6 hr, and the extent of decrease was mild (ca. 20% at the most prominent portion). In cases of moderate intraocular hypertension (30 mmHg) for 6 hr, a quantitative analysis showed no decrease in axonal transport. After 3–6 hr of intraocular hypotension (0–4 mmHg), papilledema did not develop and autoradiographically there was no accumulatjon of axonal components. Axonally transferred material remained quantitatively at the same level as in the control animals. Nonaxonal transport along the optic nerve was doubly enhanced in cases of intraocular hypertension up to 50 mmHg, and was reduced to one thrid at level of 0–4 mmHg. Filtration of intraocular fluid through the optic disc appears to be the largest component of the nonoxonal transport.