The influence of bretylium tosylate on the intraocular pressure of the rabbit.

Bretylium tosylate was applied topically and intravitreously to rabbit eyes. The topical application of 1, 2, 5 and 10% bretylium tosylate gave a small but significant decrease of the intraocular pressure 6 hrs after treatment. The effects had disappeared, when the eyes were re-examined after 24 hrs. The intravitreous injection of 200 mug of bretylium tosylate caused a more pronounced and prolonged pressure decrease. The results are interpreted in the light of chemical sympathectomy.