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Toxicity of intravitreal injection of foscarnet in the rabbit eye
S C She1, G A Peyman, J A Schulman
1LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Medicine, New Orleans.
Abstract:
Foscarnet (sodium phosphonoformate) is an antiviral with a high degree of efficacy against members of the herpes simplex virus family. We studied the toxicity of single doses of intravitreally administered foscarnet in the albino rabbit. Eyes were evaluated clinically and by light microscopy. Data demonstrated that doses ranging from 20 to 1000 micrograms per 0.1 milliliter are nontoxic to the retina, suggesting that foscarnet may be useful in the treatment of acute retinal necrosis and cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Insights
Foscarnet, an antiviral drug, showed no retinal toxicity in rabbits at doses up to 1000 micrograms. This suggests potential use for treating viral retinitis in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Foscarnet (sodium phosphonoformate) is a potent antiviral agent.
- It demonstrates high efficacy against herpes simplex virus family members.
- Ocular infections, particularly retinitis, are a concern in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ocular toxicity of intravitreally administered foscarnet.
- To determine safe dosage ranges for potential ophthalmic applications.
Main Methods:
- Single doses of foscarnet were administered intravitreally to albino rabbits.
- Ocular tissues were assessed using clinical examination and light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Intravitreal foscarnet doses from 20 to 1000 micrograms per 0.1 milliliter were found to be non-toxic to the retina.
- No significant adverse clinical or histological findings were observed within this dose range.
Conclusions:
- Foscarnet exhibits a favorable safety profile for intravitreal administration in the albino rabbit model.
- These findings support the potential therapeutic utility of foscarnet for treating retinal necrosis and cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).