[Changing glucose concentration affects rod-mediated response in the perfused cat eye].

The effects of changing glucose concentration on the ERG b-wave and optic nerve response (ONR) were studied in dark adapted, arterially perfused cat eyes. Changes in glucose concentration in the perfusate induced remarkable effects on both electrical responses. The ERG b-wave and ONR amplitudes were enhanced with increasing the glucose concentration above the standard level (5.5 mM), and were transiently decreased below the control after termination of the increase in glucose. Furthermore, a control perfusate with higher glucose concentrations (8-10 mM) was used, transient addition of glucose failed to elicit consistent increase in amplitudes of the b-wave and ONR. We conclude that the optimal supply of glucose to the mammalian retina is crucial for recording b-wave and ONR in-vitro under dark adaptation. A higher glucose level (8-10 mM) than 5.5 mM in the standard tissue culture medium is suggested for maintaining the retinal function in-vitro.