Glucocorticoids alter recovery processes in the rat retina

Abstract
THE effect of glucocorticoids on the electroretinogram (ERG) β-wave was studied in freely moving rats. β-Waves were evoked by flashes delivered by a light emitting diode implanted under the skin above the left eye. I.v. corticosterone and dexamethasone injection induced a transient increase in β-wave amplitude at 90 min. Retinal oscillatory potentials (OPs) were similarly enhanced. Pretreatment with a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU 38486) abolished both increases. These results suggest that enhancements in retinal potentials may be the result of a glucocorticoid-induced facilitation of the processes under way in normal Müller cells following retinal excitation.