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

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the in vitro effects of bevacizumab (Avastin®) 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.