[Effects of carteolol on electroretinograms in isolated perfused cat eye].

Effects of carteolol on ERG b-wave amplitude were investigated in dark adapted isolated perfused cat eyes. Carteolol enhanced ERG b-waves with both strong stimuli that reflect the function of both the rod and cone systems, and weak stimuli that reflect the function of the rod system. These observations suggest the following two ideas i.e.: 1. Carteolol increases the flow in retinal vessels of perfusate. or 2. Carteolol has interaction with retinal beta-adrenergic receptors related to the origin of the ERG b-wave. It is likely that both participate in the intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and the release activity of the endothelium derived relaxing factor of carteolol.