Retinal toxicity of 6-methoxypurine arabinoside (ara-M). A new selective and potent inhibitor of varicella-zoster virus.

Abstract

The toxicity of a new antiviral agent, 6-methoxypurine arabinoside (ara-M), as a selective and potent inhibitor against varicella-zoster virus, was investigated after intravitreal injection in rabbit eyes. Intravitreal doses of ara-M ranging from 20 micrograms to 400 micrograms produced no retinal toxicity, as assessed by electroretinography and light and transmission electron microscopy. These data suggest a potential role for intravitreal ara-M in the antiviral treatment of varicella-zoster viral retinitis.

• Authors: S Karaçorlu, G A Peyman, M Karaçorlu, W Dunlap, K F Soike
• Journal: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Retina) Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. 261-4 ( 1992) ISSN: 0275-004X [Print] United States
• PMID: 1329170 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Arabinonucleosides
• 6-methoxypurine arabinoside

Topics

• Animals
• Antiviral Agents (toxicity)
• Arabinonucleosides (toxicity)
• Electroretinography (drug effects)
• Eye Infections, Viral (drug therapy)
• Herpesvirus 3, Human (drug effects)
• Injections
• Photoreceptor Cells (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Rabbits
• Retina (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Retinitis (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Vitreous Body