Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Mar 1999
Electrical stimulation as a therapeutic option to improve eyelid function in chronic facial nerve disorders.
To establish whether it is possible to improve orbicularis oculi muscle function in the eyelids of patients with a chronic seventh cranial nerve palsy by using transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the point at which electrical stimulation induces a functional blink. ⋯ Electrical stimulation using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators units can improve voluntary eye closure, apparently because of a reduction in stiffness of eyelid mechanics, rather than an improvement of muscle function. Investigation of alternative stimulation regimens is warranted.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Mar 1999
Latrunculin-A causes mydriasis and cycloplegia in the cynomolgus monkey.
To determine the effect of latrunculin (LAT)-A, which binds to G-actin and disassembles actin filaments, on the pupil, accommodation, and isolated ciliary muscle (CM) contraction in monkeys. ⋯ In monkeys, LAT-A causes mydriasis and cycloplegia, perhaps related to its known ability to disrupt the actin microfilament network and consequently to affect cell contractility and adhesion. Effects of LAT-A on the iris and CM may have significant physiological and clinical implications.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Mar 1999
CNTF, not other trophic factors, promotes axonal regeneration of axotomized retinal ganglion cells in adult hamsters.
To investigate the in vivo effects of trophic factors on the axonal regeneration of axotomized retinal ganglion cells in adult hamsters. ⋯ Neurons of the adult central nervous system can regenerate in response to trophic supply after injury, and ciliary neurotrophic factor is at least one of the trophic factors that can promote axonal regeneration of axotomized RGCs.