Determination of Marbofloxacin residues in Rabbit Tissues by HPLC

The present study was designed to evaluate marbofloxacin residues in different rabbit tissues after multiple intramuscular administrations. For that purpose, rabbits were divided into two groups; the first group (n=21) administered 2mg/kg marbofloxacin for five successive days, while the second group (n=3) were untreated and served as controls. Tissues were collected at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 15th and 21stday after the last dose post administration of the drug. Liver, kidneys, pectoral muscle and thigh muscles, spleen, heart, blood and lung from each rabbit were taken, extracted and marbofloxacin residues were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection. Results indicated a widespread distribution of marbofloxacin in the most tested tissues. It remained within detectable level till the 5th day in liver and serum while it continues till the 7th in kidneys day following the last dose. Therefore, muscles of rabbits treated with marbofloxacin could be consumed safely following the 1st day post treatment, while liver and kidneys could be consumed safely in the 3rd day after treatment without any hazards on consumers as the residual level below the recommended MRL (150µg/kg).