Anterior chamber fluorescein kinetics compared with vitreous kinetics in normal subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Describe and compare barrier properties in various parts of the eye.


METHODS
Fluorophotometric measurements of the anterior chamber, vitreous and plasma fluorescein concentrations were performed and subjected to a kinetic two-compartment analysis.


RESULTS
The overall barrier properties as revealed by a permeability-index was found to be 12.2% (anterior chamber) and 3.5% (vitreous). The apparent rate constant of permeation into the anterior chamber (Kin=1,59 h(-1)) was found to be significantly higher than into the vitreous (Kin=0,66 h(-1)) and into the apparent peripheral body compartment (Kin=0,23 h(-1)). The terminal rate constant of fluorescein disposition from the anterior chamber (Kout=0,21 h(-1)) was in agreement with the terminal disposition rate constant for plasma fluorescein (P=0,23 h(-1)), whereas elimination from the vitreous (Kout=0,072 h(-1)) was significantly slower.


CONCLUSIONS
Compartment analysis of ocular fluorescein kinetics is suitable for the study of anterior and posterior barrier properties in the eye. In this study fluorescein elimination from the anterior chamber was restricted by terminal plasma fluorescein decay rather than by ocular tissue.
Knudsen
L L
LL
Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Olsen
T
T
Nielsen-Kudsk
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000378:metabolism*; D018916:Blood-Aqueous Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D015590:Fluorophotometry; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019793:Fluorescein