SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PERFLUOROCHEMICAL AGENTS

Purpose: An intravitreal injection of Fluosol-DA leads to a higher alt eration of the macrophage system of the retina than perfluorooctane an d perfluorodecalin administered by the same route. The difference may be due to different kinds of oxidative damage caused by the three chem icals. To test the validity of this assumption, the degree of cell alt eration, expressed as reduction of cytoplasmic motility, caused by the se three perfluorochemicals was examined. Methods: Using the hepatic m acrophage system of the rat, cell alteration was examined by magnetome try after intravenous application of various perfluorochemicals [emuls ified perfluorodecalin (C10F18), perfluorooctane (C8F17Br) and Fluosol -DA (corresponding to a 20% emulsion of 70% pernuerodecalin and 30% pe rfluorotripropylamine, C9F21N)]. Results: After administration of high doses, all perfluorochemicals led to cytoskeleton alteration. This al teration, expressed as retardation of the relaxation period of ferroma gnetic iron oxide particles, was most pronounced after administration of Fluosol-DA. Conclusion: The compromising effect of perfluorochemica ls is dose dependent and differs among the three compounds tested, wit h Fluosol-DA showing the greatest decrease in cytoplasmic motility.