Summary
The distribution of adrenergic nerves in the eyes of the large fruit-bat (“flying fox”) Pteropus giganteus Brünn. was investigated with the histofluorographic method of Falck and Hillarp. The general pattern conforms to that seen in most mammalian eyes. The most notable observation was in the chamber angle, where the meshwork covering the outflow channels receives numerous adrenergic terminals, making possible a direct adrenergic nervous influence on the outflow of aqueous humour. As in other mammals, adrenergic terminals are noted in the cornea, in both iris muscles, and in association with the ciliary epithelium. In the normal retina, adrenergic neurons occur mainly at the border between the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers. After the injection of α-methylnoradrenaline, additional neurons become fluorescent. We do not know the true transmitter of these additional neurons.
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This work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (projects O4X-2321 and O4X712) and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lund.
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Ehinger, B. Ocular adrenergic neurons of the flying fox, Pteropus giganteus brünn. (Megachiroptera). Z.Zellforsch 139, 171–178 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306520
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306520