Histopathology and Ultrastructure of Rabbit Retina After Intravitreous Injection of Perfluorohexyloctane (F₆H₈)

Abstract

Purpose: 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: Ultrastuctural 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.

KEYWORDS:

• animal model
• internal tamponading
• liquid perfluorocarbons
• retina
• vitreous substitutes