Histopathology and ultrastructure of rabbit retina after intravitreous injection of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8).
OBJECTIVE
To describe changes in rabbit retina after intravitreous injection of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8).


METHODS
Intravitreous injections of C3F8 were performed in the right eye of 48 male New Zealand albino rabbits. All 48 eyes were injected with C3F8. The animals were divided in three groups of 18 each. 18 eyes (6 in each group) were used as controls and 30 (10 in each group) were further injected with F6H8. Animals were sacrificed at days 15, 30, and 60 and the eyes processed for light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Vitreous tracts were observed behind the lens in all groups. Epiretinal and retrolental membranes developed in most of the treated eyes. Light microscopy showed retinal vacuolization in all eyes. No significant ultrastructural changes appeared in any of them. Macrophages were observed in the inner limiting membrane.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrastructural findings can be considered signs of good tolerance to F6H8, though the appearance of epiretinal membranes associated with the presence of macrophagic response suggests we should refrain from using F6H8 until results from clinical trials are available.
Martinez-Reina
Maria José
MJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Hernández University School of Medicine, Alicante, Spain.
Ruiz-Moreno
José Maria
JM
Montero
Javier A
JA
Rueda
Joaquín
J
D000818:Animals; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007267:Injections; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014822:Vitreous Body
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C118616:perfluorohexyl-octan