Topical vanadate lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits.

In unanesthetized rabbits the topical application of vanadate lowered intraocular pressure. Tonographic outflow facility and episcleral venous pressure were unaltered by topical vanadate. As estimated from the tonographic data, aqueous humor flow was reduced by approximately 30%. Posterior chamber aqueous humor ascorbate increased in the eye receiving topical vanadate, and this was compatible with a decreased rate of aqueous humor flow. Topical vanadate did not alter anterior chamber aqueous humor protein or cyclic AMP. In five monkeys intraocular pressure was also significantly reduced by topical vanadate.