Intraocular effects of pimaricin

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fungal endophthalmitis poses a significant threat to vision.
• Pimaricin is an antifungal agent with potential ocular applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraocular pimaricin in rabbits.
• To determine optimal dosage for treating fungal endophthalmitis.

Main Methods:

• Pigmented rabbits received intraocular injections of pimaricin (250-1,000 mug).
• Pharmacokinetic studies measured drug levels in ocular tissues.
• Infection models with Aspergillus fumigatus were used to assess therapeutic effects and toxicity.

Main Results:

• 250 mug of intraocular pimaricin was well-tolerated in normal and infected eyes.
• Therapeutic ocular levels were maintained for over 24 hours.
• Doses exceeding 250 mug led to irreversible ocular damage in infected eyes.

Conclusions:

• A 250 mug intraocular dose of pimaricin may preserve vision in cases of fungal endophthalmitis.
• Careful dosage is crucial to avoid ocular toxicity in infected eyes.