Intracameral levels of intravenously injected fluorescein, cefmenoxime, and chloramphenicol in the prostaglandin E2-administered eyes of albino rabbits.

We evaluated the effects of inflammation and physicochemical nature of selected agents on the intracameral levels of intravenously injected drugs in albino rabbits. Transcorneal diffusion of prostaglandin E2 (10, 50 or 250 micrograms/ml) using a glass cylinder was used to produce inflammation of the anterior segment in the right eyes. As a control, a vehicle was applied to the left cornea. Immediately, 2, 5, or 11 h after prostaglandin E2 administration, a mixed solution of fluorescein, cefmenoxime, and chloramphenicol (50 mg each/kg body weight) was injected intravenously. One hour after injection of the drugs, the primary aqueous humor was withdrawn. The intracameral levels of protein and these drugs after prostaglandin E2 administration increased at 1 h in a dose-dependent manner. These levels then gradually decreased. One hour after prostaglandin E2 administration, the intracameral levels of protein and these drugs in the prostaglandin E2-administered eyes were significantly higher than those in the vehicle-administered eyes, except chloramphenicol after administration of 10 micrograms/ml prostaglandin E2. Our findings indicate that the intracameral levels of intravenously administered drugs are altered not only by the severity of inflammation but also by the properties of drugs.