Therapy of Experimental Herpes Simplex Keratitis in Rabbits with 5-lodo-5′-Amino-2′,5′-Dideoxyuridine 1

Summary

AIU (5-iodo-5′-amino-2′,5′-dideoxyuridine, AIdUrd) has been shown to be as effective as IdUrd in the treatment of experimental herpes simplex keratitis in rabbits. AIU's striking lack of cellular or systemic toxicity or teratogenicity and its specific inhibition of viral metabolism are discussed.

The authors acknowledge the valuable technical assistance of Mr. Alfred S. Fiore and Mr. Ronald Callahan (Departments of Pharmacy and Nuclear Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital). Mrs. Brigitte A. Prusoff performed the statistical analysis.