Teleost Retinal Metabolism as Affected by Acetazolamide 1

Summary

Trout retinas were incubated in air–tight syringes at 15°. Values for the Po₂ of the incubation medium and the Qo₂ of retinal tissue varied independently indicating that Po₂ was not a rate–limiting factor for Qo₂. When compared to controls, retinas from trout treated with acetazolamide had a decreased Qo₂ an increase in aerobic glycolysis, and an over–all increase in production of acid metabolites. Retinas treated with the drug in vitro showed a decrease in Qo₂, decrease in aerobic glycolysis, and a decline in glucose utilization but no decrease in total production of acid metabolites. The relationship between the effects of acetazolamide on retinal metabolism and the depletion of ocular oxygen tensions after administration of the drug are discussed.

The technical assistance of Mrs. Esther Brenke is acknowledged.