Effects of some psychotropic drugs on the b-wave of the electroretinogram in isolated rabbit retina.

The role of dopaminergic and cholinergic functions in the genesis of an electroretinogram is unclear. The present study was carried out to elucidate the direct actions of some psychotropic drugs in isolated rabbit retinas. Methamphetamine and apomorphine decreased dose-dependently the b-wave amplitude at a dose of 10(-7)-10(-5) g/ml. On the other hand, chlorpromazine and haloperidol, as well as atropine and amitriptyline, increased dose-dependently the b-wave amplitude at the same dose range. These data support the idea that dopaminergic and cholinergic systems play an important role in the genesis of the ERG.