Effects of bevacizumab (Avastin®) on the electroretinogram of isolated rat retina.

Aim: To evaluate the in vitro effects of bevacizumab (Avastin (R)) on the electroretinogram (ERG) in rats using a model of isolated perfused retina ERG recording. Methods: Retinas were isolated from rat eyes and placed in a chamber continuously perfused with a nutrient solution. The ERG was recorded every 3 min. Once the ERG b-wave amplitude was at a steady state, bevacizumab was added at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml to the perfusion medium for 3 h. Results: We observed no effect on ERG amplitudes or kinetics when bevacizumab was added to the perfusion medium. In addition, we found no significant differences in the survival curves of the b-wave and PIII wave during the application of bevacizumab between bevacizumab-exposed retinas and control retinas. Conclusions: We demonstrate that bevacizumab has no in vitro toxic effects on the ERG of isolated perfused rat retina. Our study supports the retinal safety of bevacizumab with respect to retinal function. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel