Chorionic gonadotropin decreases intraocular pressure and aqueous humor flow in rabbit eyes.

The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the rabbit eye was studied. Intravitreal injections of hCG in albino rabbits provoked a reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). Intravenous administration of hCG in single doses of 5,000-10,000 units in male pigmented rabbits caused a significant reduction in IOP from 1.5-5 hr after injection. When two successive intravenous doses of 5,000 units of hCG were given at 0 and 3 hr to pigmented rabbits, a significant reduction of net aqueous flow occurred, as measured by scanning fluorophotometry. These results indicate that the decrease in aqueous flow rate in the rabbit eye after administration of hCG can account for the reduction in IOP.