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The effect of anakinra on retinal function in isolated perfused vertebrate retina
Mahdy Ranjbar1, Toni Schneider2, Carl Brand2
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Germany; Laboratory for Angiogenesis & Ocular Cell Transplantation, University of Lübeck, Germany.
Purpose:
Blockage of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) signaling pathway has been proposed for treatment of inflammatory disorders like those affecting the retina and its adjacent tissue. Herein, we evaluated one of those inhibitory drugs, anakinra (Kineret®), based on its safety profile with emphasis on retinal function from an electrophysiological point of view.
Methods:
Bovine retina preparations were perfused with two different concentrations of anakinra (1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml). An electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded and b-wave recovery assessed.
Results:
Exposure to anakinra at a concentration of 1 mg/ml did not decrease the b-wave amplitude, whereas 2 mg/ml resulted in a significant reduction.
Conclusions:
Based on these preliminary results, anakinra at a dose as low as 1 mg/ml could be regarded as safe for retinal function. However, dosages of 2 mg/ml and more do have toxic electrophysiological effects, at least for the short-term.