The penetration of ceftazidime into the inflamed rabbit eye.
Acute endophthalmitis was unilaterally induced in 8 rabbits by intravitreal injection of 5 micrograms Escherichia coli endotoxin. A reproducible increase in aqueous humour polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total protein content was observed after 24 h (mean +/- SD: 2400 +/- 274 X 10(6)/l and 3.7 +/- 0.4 g/l, respectively). In the opposite eye only minor changes occurred, making it suitable as a paired control. The intraocular penetration of ceftazidime was then studied in 30 rabbits after i.v. injection of 50 mg/kg body weight. The mean penetration into aqueous humour of the eyes with and without endophthalmitis was 64 and 10%, respectively. In the vitreous body the corresponding penetration was 5 and 1%. The concentration of ceftazidime achieved in the intraocular structures was sufficient to inhibit the growth of pathogens, i.e. Enterobacteriaceae, commonly responsible for intraocular infections.
D000818:Animals; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011817:Rabbits; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism*
D002442:Ceftazidime