Experimental vitreous replacement with perfluorotri-n-propylamine
J. S. Bryan, S. M. Friedman, R. N. Mames and C. E. Margo
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perfluorotri-n-propylamine, a perfluorocarbon oil,
as a temporary vitreous replacement in rabbits. METHODS: After undergoing
gas compression vitrectomy, rabbits were injected with
perfluorotri-n-propylamine for 24 hours or 2 weeks. The rabbits were
evaluated clinically and with electroretinography. The globes were then
enucleated and processed for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Clinical
results showed droplet dispersion in the 2-week but not in the 24-hour
group. Histological evaluation showed no changes in the retinal pigment
epithelium or photoreceptor outer segments. Foam cells were seen in the
2-week but not in the 24-hour group. There was a marked dampening of the
electroretinographic response that normalized after the removal of the oil.
CONCLUSIONS: Perfluorotri-n-propylamine demonstrated no retinal toxic side
effects in rabbits and is a promising liquid perfluorocarbon oil.
