Intraretinal analysis of electroretinogram with K⁺ microelectrodes during acute intraocular pressure elevation

Abstract

We examined the effects of acute intraocular pressure elevation on the intraretinal electroretinogram in the cat dark-adapted eye. Perfusion pressure of the eye (mean arterial pressure minus intraocular pressure) was regulated within the range of 25–75 mm Hg by increasing the intraocular pressure, which was adjusted by changing the height of the reservoir of balanced salt solution perfused into the eye through a needle placed in the anterior chamber. The vitreal electroretinogram, transepithelial c-wave, slow PIII and light-evoked decrease in extracellular K⁺ concentration were recorded during intraocular pressure elevation in the darkadapted retina. The c-wave increased in amplitude between 40 and 75 mm Hg of perfusion pressure and decreased below 40 mm Hg in some cases. These changes were unrelated to the standing potential. The transepithelial c-wave, slow PIII and light-evoked decrease in extracellular K⁺ concentration were larger in the range of perfusion pressure examined. These suggest that some factor induces electroretinographic changes that are not readily explained by hypoxia or pH changes alone.