EXPERIMENTAL VITREOUS REPLACEMENT WITH PERFLUOROTRI-N-PROPYLAMINE

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.