ASSESSMENT OF DIRECT CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY BY PUPILLARY MIOSIS

Factors affecting the pupillary response to ocular administration of a direct inhibitor of cholinesterase have been investigated. The miotic response is dependent on the volume and concentration of solution and on the direct inhibitory activity of the compound. Measurements of miotic activity of twelve anticholinesterase materials show good agreement with in vitro biochemical measurements of their direct inhibitory activity. A rapid and simple method is suggested which reveals ten‐fold differences of direct inhibitory activity, and detects activity equivalent to 0·01 μg. of TEPP.