Development of an in vivo model for assessment of drug-induced vascular injury.

Thrombophlebitis is a common complication associated with infusion of intravenous sedatives, especially diazepam. Development of a technique for evaluation of drug-induced histopathologic changes in animal tissues should allow for more precise study of methods and agents which might be used clinically to minimize the thrombophlebitic phenomena. In this study, the authors describe the use of the marginal ear vein of the rabbit as a model for studying drug-induced thrombophlebitis, as well as techniques for reducing or preventing it.