The effect of anakinra on retinal function in isolated perfused vertebrate retina

PURPOSE Blockage of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) signaling pathway has been proposed for treatment of inflammatory disorders like those affecting the retina and its adjacent tissue. Herein, we evaluated one of those inhibitory drugs, anakinra (Kineret®), based on its safety profile with emphasis on retinal function from an electrophysiological point of view. METHODS Bovine retina preparations were perfused with two different concentrations of anakinra (1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml). An electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded and b-wave recovery assessed. RESULTS Exposure to anakinra at a concentration of 1 mg/ml did not decrease the b-wave amplitude, whereas 2 mg/ml resulted in a significant reduction. CONCLUSIONS Based on these preliminary results, anakinra at a dose as low as 1 mg/ml could be regarded as safe for retinal function. However, dosages of 2 mg/ml and more do have toxic electrophysiological effects, at least for the short-term.