EFFECT OF ACETAZOLEAMIDE (DIAMOX) ON CARBONIC ANHYDRASE ACTIVITY OF ANTERIOR UVEA OF THE RABBIT EYE

Abstract

THE DRAMATIC effect of acetazoleamide (Diamox; 2-acetylamino-1,3,4thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide), a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, in lowering intraocular pressure * has focused attention upon the possible role of the enzyme in the secretory mechanism of the ciliary body and iris. This association is particularly suggestive in view of the report by Wistrand²of the presence of carbonic anhydrase activity in the ciliary body and iris of the rabbit eye. It was deemed of fundamental importance, therefore, to determine whether the administration of acetazoleamide affected the carbonic anhydrase activity of the ciliary body and iris. <h3>METHODS</h3> Carbonic anhydrase activity was measured in a Warburg apparatus at 1 to 2 C. according to the method of Krebs and Roughton.³The amount of blood in the tissue was determined with the benzidine reaction, according to Ashby and Chan.⁴Known dilutions of venous blood, drawn from the same rabbit from which the tissue in question