Evaluation of Retinopathic Effect of Gatifloxacin in Rabbits

The present investigation reports the effect of repeated administration of gatifloxacin on the antioxidant status and its potential to induce retinal damage in rabbits. Prolonged exposure to gatifloxacin resulted in marked alteration in antioxidant status. There was a significant increase in extent of lipid peroxidation. The activity of antioxidant enzymes viz. glutathione peroxidise and catalase was significantly increased whereas there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity. The blood glutathione level was reduced. Similar alterations in antioxidant status were observed in different organs. The histopathological examination of tunics of eyeball revealed clumping of nuclei of outer nuclear layer of rabbits receiving higher dose. The histopathological examination of tunics of eyeball revealed clumping of nuclei of outer nuclear layer of rabbits receiving higher dose. The histopathology of liver and kidney revealed degenerative changes. There was cholangiohepatitis alongwith mononuclear cells infiltration. There was mild degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells.