Abstract
A laboratory model was designed to assess the effects of drugs on intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Its utility for evaluating the antiglaucoma potential of drugs was tested by employing l-epinephrine, an adrenergic agent known to be effective in glaucoma. When l-epinephrine was applied topically to the eye, it caused a concentration-dependent reduction of normal IOP and marked antagonism of elevated IOP induced by water load. These effects were of long duration. Antagonism of IOP elevation was earlier in onset than reduction of normal IOP, suggesting different underlying mechanisms. Similarities between these results and those reported for glaucomatous man establish the utility of this IOP model in the evaluation of the antiglaucoma potential of adrenergic-like compounds.