Steroid-induced ocular hypertension in the rabbit: a model using subconjunctival injections.
Topical application of glucocorticoids in rabbit eyes has been used extensively in the study of steroid-induced ocular hypertension. Herein, we report no difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) between rabbits treated with topically applied dexamethasone and those receiving a vehicle placebo. In order to develop an alternative model, we have studied the effects on IOP of three subconjunctivally injected steroids: betamethasone, cortisone, and triamcinolone. All three produced elevations in IOP above controls and the most consistent elevation was observed with triamcinolone. Previously, a wide range of changes in IOP have been regarded as significant in studies using the topical mode. Our findings suggest that subconjunctival injections of steroids in rabbits are a viable alternative to topical application and may prove to provide a more consistent and reproducible model for the study of steroid-induced ocular hypertension.
D000818:Animals; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003228:Conjunctiva; D003348:Cortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007267:Injections; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014221:Triamcinolone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001623:Betamethasone; D003348:Cortisone