Evaluation of Histopathologic Findings and Safety of Intravitreal Ketamine Administration on Vitreoretinal Tissue in Rat Model: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and histological findings of intravitreal injection of ketamine in rats. Methods: Each rat received a total volume of 0.1 ml of ketamine 0.01 mol/L (5 rats as ketamine group) or a total of 0.1 ml of normal saline 0.9% (5 rats as control group) under general anesthesia in a sterile condition. A histology assessment was performed 1 month after the intravitreal injection. Results: Lens opacity, necrosis, and atrophy of retinal layers and optic disc were not seen in five specimens in the ketamine group and five in the normal saline group. There was no inflammation in the vitreous, retinal layers, choroid, optic disc, and optic nerve in both groups. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection of ketamine in a special dose has no obvious adverse effect on diverse intraocular tissue.