title: Which neurotransmitters modulate corneal sensitivity?
abstract: Corneal sensitivity was assessed before and after applying atropine (0.5, 0.05, 0.005% w/v), pilocarpine (1.0, 0.1%), eserine (0.1, 0.01%) and potassium chloride (171mM). Atropine (0.5 - 0.005%) significantly depressed corneal sensitivity; parasympathomimetics, taken together, significantly increased sensitivity. Exposure to potassium chloride for 2 min had no effect on sensitivity, nor did it affect corneal sensation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that epithelial acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter to the corneal nerves. We conclude, however, that the nerves may have only weak muscarinic properties.
authors.affiliation: Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit, School of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AustraliaLaboratory of Experimental Optometry, UWIST, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nazarian
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Millodot