Effects of Optic Nerve Transection on Intraocular Pressure in Monkeys

Unilateral intracranial optic nerve transection was carried out on six monkeys. As compared to their control fellow eyes, the eyes with transected optic nerves demonstrated significantly less elevation of intraocular pressure after orally administered water, and less diminution of intraocular pressure after hyperosmotic agents, such as ethyl alcohol and isosorbide, or intravenous administration of isotonic barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital. Smaller doses of each of these agents altered the intraocular pressure only in the eyes with intact optic nerves. Comparison to similar results in rabbits was made.