Retinal vascular reactivity to norepinephrine and angiotensin II in normals and diabetics.

Retinal arterial vasoconstriction induced by an infusion of angiotensin II or norepinephrine was investigated in eight normal controls (N), nine diabetics without retinopathy (DNR), and 10 diabetics with retinopathy (DR) by color fundus photographs taken before and after the infusions. Image analysis was done by a semiautomated computerized microdensitometer using a videoscanner. Normal controls and diabetics without retinopathy had a significant reduction in diameter compared with diabetics with retinopathy, who failed to constrict arterioles in response to either vasopressor. The mechanism of this phenomenon is unclear. Semiautomated computerized microdensitometry is reproducible and appears to be a sensitive technique to evaluate the vascular reactivity of the retinal vasculature.