LOCAL-EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PERFLUOROCHEMICAL AGENTS

Purpose: To clarify whether the prolonged presence of perfluorochemica ls (PFC) in the vitreous cavity causes oxidative tissue damage and inf lammatory response of the retina and, if so, what the process is. Meth ods: After three different perfluorochemicals [perfluorodecalin (C10F1 8), perfluorooctane (C8F18) and Fluosol-DA (corresponding to a 20% emu lsion of 70% PFD and 30% perfluorotripropylamine, C9F21N)] had been in the vitreous cavity of rabbits for 2 weeks, lipid peroxide concentrat ion and myeloperoxidase activity in the retina were determined. Result s: Whereas only Fluosol-DA showed significant oxidative damage, the in flammatory activity was significantly increased in all groups. onclusi on: The increased myeloperoxidase activity and the observed oxidative damage of the retina seem to be the effect of both perfluorochemical-l oaded macrophages and inflammatory-induced lipid peroxidation.