Abstract
Purpose: :
We evaluated ocular penetration and drug level after topical ofloxacin instillation in rabbit eye with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT).
Methods: :
Twenty–four rabbits (24 eyes) were divided into 4 groups according to the epithelial removal or AMT. Topical ofloxacin was instilled 4 times every 15 minutes. One hour after the last eyedrop, the concentration of ofloxacin in amniotic membrane (AM), cornea, and aqueous humor was evaluated using by high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: :
Mean ofloxacin concentrations in cornea and aqueous humor were statistically higher in group of deepithelized cornea regardless of AMT (P < 0.05). And mean tear levels of ofloxacin in AMT groups were statistically higher than those in non–AMT groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: :
AMT seems to interfere with the ocular penetration of topical ofloxacin in normal rabbit cornea, but rather enhances ofloxacin penetration in the cornea with epithelial defect. Therefore it seems that AM has some potential to act as an effective drug delivery system.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • drug toxicity/drug effects • anterior segment