Retinopathic Potential of Fluoroquinolones Using Rabbit as Model

We evaluated the fluoroquinolones; levofloxacin, pazufloxacin and enrofloxacin for their retinopathic potential using rabbit as experimental model. Rabbits were gavaged individual fluoroquinolones alone and in combination with meloxicam for 21 days. Meloxicam was given, being an anti-inflammatory and usually being co-administered with antimicrobials, in various infections. Parameters of elimination kinetics and oxidative stress were calculated at different time points. The toxicokinetics of fluoroquinolones revealed that repeated administration produced a significant alteration in elimination phase parameters with no significant impact due to co-administration of meloxicam. Significant oxidative damage was produced in meloxicam, pazufloxacin and enrofloxacin treated groups. The histology of retina revealed severe retinal damage in enrofloxacin, moderate in pazufloxacin and mild damage in levofloxacin treated rabbits. The lesions included retinal pigment epithelium thinning, retinal detachment, neovascularization and formation of apoptotic bodies. Retinal ABCG-2 transporter protein had highest immunolocalization in enrofloxacin and lowest in the levofloxacin treated rabbits.