Original Paper

Histological Toxicity of Grepafloxacin after Intravitreal Injection
I. Pinilla^a, S. Peréz-Oliván^a, C. Solans^b,c, M.A. Bregante^b,c, M.T. Ramirez^d, J.M. Larrosa^b, L.E. Pablo^a, F.M. Honrubia<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Ophthalmology, 'Miguel Servet' University Hospital, and Departments of
^bPharmacology and Physiology, and
^cAnalytical Chemistry, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza;
^dDepartment of Pathology, Soria General Hospital, Soria, Spain

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmic Res 2003;35:335-340 (DOI: 10.1159/000074073)

  Key Words

• Grepafloxacin
• Fluoroquinolones
• Endophthalmitis
• Retina

  Abstract

Purpose: To determine the intravitreal levels of grepafloxacin after intravitreal injection of 80 µg and to evaluate the retinal toxicity after intravitreal injection of different doses of grepafloxacin in rabbit eyes. Methods: Fifteen female New Zealand white rabbits and 15 female pigmented 'Gigantes de España' rabbits were injected with 80 µg of grepafloxacin into the vitreous cavity. The grepafloxacin concentration was determined with HPLC after 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. Eighteen female rabbits (9 New Zealand white rabbits and 9 pigmented 'Gigantes de España' rabbits) were used for a study of toxicity. The rabbits were divided into 6 treatment groups: group 1 (3 pigmented rabbits) received an intravitreal injection of 80 µg of grepafloxacin in 0.1 ml of saline solution, group 2 (3 white rabbits) 80 µg of grepafloxacin in 0.1 ml, group 3 (3 pigmented rabbits) 800 µg of grepafloxacin, group 4 (3 white rabbits) 800 µg of grepafloxacin, group 5 (3 pigmented rabbits) and group 6 (3 white rabbits) 0.1 ml of saline solution. Clinical examination was performed prior to injection and 24 h and 10 days after surgery. The animals were sacrificed 10 days after the injection, and the eyes were enucleated and fixed for histopathology. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. Results: No relevant complications were found during the clinical follow-up. All the eyes showed no abnormalities in the histologic evaluation. Conclusion: Grepafloxacin can be considered as a safe alternative for intravitreal injection for the treatment of intraocular infections.

Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

S. Pérez Oliván
'Miguel Servet' University Hospital
Isabel la Católica 1-3
ES-5009 Zaragoza (Spain)

  Article Information

Received: January 1, 2003
Accepted after revision: July 1, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 30