Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the localization of the regulatory center in the central nervous system responsible for intraocular pressure (IOP) by microinjection of α2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, into the brain of rats. Male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used in all experiments. The influence of 0.1% clonidine 2μl injection into the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) area was examined. TOP showed a significant decrease after clonidine injection into the MVN area. TOP-lowering effects of clonidine were abolished by previous application of 0.1% yohimbine 5 μl into the MVN area. TOP was not significantly affected by the 0.1% clonidine 2 μl injection into the regions surrounding the MVN. It is suggested that one of the regulatory centers for IOP is located at the MVN area in the central nervous system of rats.
