Changes in arterial blood pressure during traction of extra‐ocular muscles. A study in rabbits

A significant reflex fall in mean arterial blood pressure from baseline values was observed during extra-ocular muscle traction in rabbits. This effect could be abolished only by retrobulbar block (afferent pathway block) and not by vagotomy, intravenous atropine or glycopyrronium, suggesting that it is distinct from, and independent of, the oculocardiac reflex. We suggest that these reflex changes in blood pressure be known as the 'oculodepressor reflex'.