Dinc, ErdemYildirim, OzlemYilmaz, S. NecatCanacankatan, NecmiyeAyaz, LokmanOzcan, TubaTemel, Gulhan O.2024-06-122024-06-1220141556-95271556-9535https://doi.org/10.3109/15569527.2013.855227https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14551/18604Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of single-dose intravitreal bevacizumab on the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and distant organs. Methods: Adult New Zealand albino rabbits (n = 40) were divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental rabbits received a single 0.05 ml intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab (Avastin) into the right eye, and control rabbits (n = 8) received no injection. Following injection, group 1 rabbits (n = 8) were sacrificed on day 1, group 2 rabbits (n = 8) on day 7, group 3 rabbits (n = 8) on day 14, and group 4 rabbits (n = 8) on day 28; control rabbits were sacrificed on day 28. After sacrifice, samples of brain, heart, liver, kidney and blood were collected. Levels of VEGF in serum and tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of bevacizumab was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining in tissues. Results: Positive bevacizumab immunoreactivity was observed in brain, heart and kidney. Serum VEGF levels significantly decreased in groups 3 and 4 compared with controls (p < 0.05). Liver VEGF levels significantly decreased in group 3 compared with controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab not only may escape from the blood-retinal barrier and enter the general circulation, but also may be disseminated to distant organs. Our study demonstrates that a single dose of intravitreally injected bevacizumab decreases VEGF levels in serum and liver.en10.3109/15569527.2013.855227info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAnti-VEGFBrainHeartIntravitreal BevacizumabKidneyLiverSerumVascular Endothelial Growth FactorEndothelial Growth-FactorRetinal Vein OcclusionAvastin TreatmentInjectionPharmacokineticsRetinopathyPrematurityCombinationSecondaryTherapyIntravitreal bevacizumab effects on VEGF levels in distant organs: an experimental studyArticle334275282Q3WOS:0003454984000032-s2.0-8491208368224228870Q3