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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
Intravitreal infliximab clearance in a rabbit model: different sampling methods and assay techniques
Fabrizio Giansanti1, Matteo Ramazzotti, Matteo Giuntoli
1Department of Oto-Neuro-Ophthalmological Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. fabriziogiansanti@interfree.it
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 29, 2009
Summary
This study shows that microsampling is a valid method for measuring infliximab clearance in rabbit eyes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) combined with microsampling is the most effective technique for analyzing infliximab levels.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intravitreal infliximab is used to treat various eye conditions.
- Understanding its clearance rate is crucial for optimizing treatment regimens.
- Accurate measurement techniques are needed to study drug disposition in the vitreous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clearance of intravitreal infliximab in rabbits.
- To compare the efficacy of different vitreous sampling techniques (classic vs. microsampling).
- To determine the optimal immunoassay method for quantifying infliximab concentration.
Main Methods:
- Infliximab was injected intravitreally into rabbit eyes.
- Vitreous samples were collected using classic (enucleation) and microsampling techniques.
- Infliximab concentrations were measured using competitive ELISA, dot blot, and Western blot analyses.
Main Results:
- The vitreous half-life of infliximab was determined to be 6.5 ± 0.6 days.
- Microsampling provided statistically comparable results to the classic method for vitreous collection.
- ELISA, particularly when coupled with microsampling, demonstrated superior sensitivity and precision.
Conclusions:
- Microsampling is a valid and effective technique for vitreous sample collection.
- ELISA is the preferred immunoassay method for analyzing infliximab clearance when using microsampling.
- This study enhances the understanding of infliximab pharmacokinetics in the vitreous humor.

