Increase of Ocular Blood Flow by Some Phytogenic Compounds

The effects of a number of phytogenic compounds on ocular blood flow were measured by the colored microsphere technique in rabbits. Methyltyramine and coumarin increased blood flow in all eye tissues tested. The blood flow of iris, ciliary body-iris root, retina and choroid was increased by methyltyramine for 255%, 322%, 189%, and 189%, respectively, and by coumarin for 375%, 193%, 139% and 299%, respectively, at 120 minutes after drug administration. Rescinnamine, apocynin and hesperetin also increased ocular blood flow in all eye tissues except retina. The blood flow of iris, ciliary body-iris root, and choroid was increased by rescinnamine for 344%, 234%, and 199%, respectively; by apocynin for 355%, 152%, and 414%, respectively; and by hesperetin for 265%, 136%, and 204%, respectively, at 120 minutes after drug instillation. These results indicate that these compounds could be used to treat ischemic eye diseases in the future.