Effects of antioxidants on ischemic retinal dysfunction

Transient occlusion of both common carotid arteries in normotensive rats leads to a reduction in the amplitude of the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG). The present study investigated whether the antioxidants vitamin E and lipoate attenuate the depression and enhance the recovery of the b-wave of the ERG in response to retinal ischemia. The ERG was recorded from halothane-anesthetized rats before, during and after transient (24 min) occlusion of both common carotid arteries. The substances were administered 20 minutes before or at the onset of ischemia. Both vitamin E (100 mg kg(-1)) and lipoate (100 mg kg(-1)) significantly reduced the depression of the b-wave during occlusion and accelerated recovery during reperfusion at either time point of application. The present results suggest that antioxidants provide protection against ischemic retinal dysfunction. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.