Neurohypophyseal peptides and the eye: use of synthetic analogs in analyzing effects on the pupil

Abstract

Effects of neurohypophyseal (NHP) and synthetic analogs on the pupil of the rabbit were explored. This was prompted by the recent emergence of synthetic analogs with selective agonist and antagonist properties. The miotic effect of the NHP was examined in an isolated iris preparation. Minimum concentrations of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) needed to cause threshold pupillary constriction were approximately 10⁻¹⁰ M. The miotic potency of several NHP analogs correlated best with their pressor activity. In addition, the synthetic NHP pressor antagonist d(CH₂)₅Tyr(Me)AVP specifically antagonized the miotic effect, confirming that a pressorlike receptor mediates this pharmacologic action of the NHP. We also employed the technique of in vivo intravitreal administration of pharmacologic doses of the NHP in the rabbit. Once again, potent miotic activity was demonstrated. The relative miotic potency of the NHP in vivo provided further support to the relationship between the NHP “pressor” receptor and pupillary constriction. We believe that the use of a variety of NHP natural and synthetic analogs may also prove helpful in investigating potential physiological effects of the NHP on other intraocular smooth muscle.