Effects of adrenergic drugs on intracellular electrical potential difference of rabbit ciliary epithelial cells.

The effects of adrenergic drugs on intracellular electrical potential difference (PDI) of rabbit ciliary epithelial cells were investigated. Epinephrine as well as norepinephrine hyperpolarized the PDI at lower concentrations (10(-6) M) and depolarized the PDI at higher concentrations (greater than 10(-5) M). Isoproterenol produced a depolarization of PDI and phenylephrine caused a hyperpolarization only. After pretreatment with propranolol, the change of PDI by isoproterenol was minimal. Selective agonists and antagonists were used to further characterize adrenergic effects on the PDI. Both beta 1 and beta 2 agonists caused a depolarization of PDI while both beta 1 and beta 2 antagonists produced a hyperpolarization. Alpha 1 antagonist depolarized the PDI and alpha 2 antagonist hyperpolarized the PDI. Such electrophysiological effects of the adrenergic drugs confirm the presence of alpha and beta adrenoceptors in the rabbit ciliary epithelial cells.