Influence of the new medicine--2-CDA (Cladribine) on the ultrastructure of the extrabulbar segment of the optic nerve in rabbits of New Zealand breed.

Experiments were carried out on the rabbits of New Zealand breed weighting about 3 kg. Rabbits from the experimental group received Cladribine in the dose of 0.07 mg/kg/24 h each morning subcutaneously for 6 days, three cycles with 5-week intervals. Specimens of the optic nerve were stained according to the Reynold's method and observed in Tesla BS-500 transmission electron microscope. Results achieved from examinations of slides in experimental group indicate that Cladribine administered in the dose corresponding to therapeutic dose used in humans for experimental treatment of sclerosis multiplex does not cause the damage of extrabulbar segment of optic nerve in experimental animals. The achieved results suggest necessity of new research works regarding the eye structures of mesenchymal origin.