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The effect of gentamicin on the corneal endothelium. An experimental study

G Petroutsos1, M Savoldelli, Y Pouliquen

  • 1Laboratoire d'Ophthalmologie, Unite INSERM 86, Paris, France.

Cornea
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Gentamicin sulfate up to 400 micrograms is safe for rabbit corneal endothelium. Higher doses of 1,000 micrograms caused endothelial toxicity, indicating a dose-dependent effect.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Toxicology
  • Corneal Science

Background:

  • The corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity.
  • Gentamicin is a widely used antibiotic, but its intraocular safety profile requires careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the toxic effects of gentamicin sulfate on the corneal endothelium in a rabbit model.
  • To determine the threshold dose for gentamicin-induced corneal endothelial toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Anterior chamber injections of varying gentamicin sulfate doses (100-1000 micrograms) in rabbit eyes.
  • Evaluation of corneal endothelium using contact specular microscopy and transmission electron microscopy 48 hours post-injection.

Main Results:

  • Gentamicin sulfate doses from 100 to 400 micrograms showed no significant toxicity to the corneal endothelium.
  • A dose of 1,000 micrograms of gentamicin sulfate resulted in observable endothelial toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Gentamicin sulfate at doses up to 400 micrograms appears safe for the corneal endothelium in rabbits.
  • Higher concentrations of gentamicin sulfate (1,000 micrograms) can induce corneal endothelial damage.

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