Corneal Damage Following Continuous Infusion in Rats

Preclinical safety studies by the intravenous route, via an indwelling catheter, are performed on a wide range of pharmaceutical articles in order to mimic the proposed clini­cal route. We have observed an increased incidence and severity of corneal lesions in in­travenously infused rats in such studies. In particular, linear medial (nasal) opacities are commonly seen. Since the origin of this increased ocular damage remains unknown, we performed a study to determine if it was related to anaesthesia, infusion material or infu­sion method. In addition, we tested the efficacy of a potential preventative measure during the study.