The Penetration of Ceftazidime into the Inflamed Rabbit Eye

Acute endophthalmitis was unilaterally induced in 8 rabbits by intravitreal injection of 5 μg Escherichia coli endotoxin. A reproducable increase in aqueous humour polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total protein content was observed after 24 h (mean±SD: 2400±274±106/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.