Abstract/Summary

Aim. The aim of this work was to develop experimental model of purulent corneal ulcer in rabbits for its application in the studies of ocular dosage forms. Methods. Rabbits body temperature was measured in three groups: (1) without corneal injury; (2) with the injury and formation of purulent ulcer, but without any therapy; (3) with the injury and formation of purulent ulcer, treated with ciprofloxacin. In parallel, swabs containing purulent discharge were taken for microbiological analysis. In the end of 10-days experiment rabbits (groups 2 and 3) were sacrificed; their corneas were extracted and analysed. Results. One day following the injury all rabbits had a purulent discharge, moderate eyelids edema and conjunctival hyperemia. Rabbits in groups 2 and 3 had a purulent corneal ulcer developed. The mean body temperature in group 1 was 38.6±0.1 °С; in group 2 it was 40.0±0.3 °С, in group 3 it was 39.1±0.3 °С. The levels of infection in group 2 in the beginning and on 10-th day of experiments were 1.0×107 colony forming units (CFU) and 4.3×106 CFU, respectively (not significant, p >0.1). In group 3 these levels were 1.0×107 CFU and 4.6×103 CFU, respectively (significant, p <0.0001). The histological investigation of enucleated eyes with corneal ulcers revealed the presence of edema, stratification, deep epithelial defects, endothelium desquamation, and corneal infiltration by neutrophils. Conclusion. Formation of a corneal ulcer leads to an increase in animal body temperature, which depends on timely therapy. Rectal temperature measurements in rabbits could serve as an easy parameter to follow the development of inflammation.