Perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) induces structural modifications and increases apoptosis in rat primary retinal cultures

Abstract

The effects of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), recently investigated as a long-term artificial vitreous substitute, were studied in vitro, with the use of rat retinal cultures seeded on microporous inserts that allow the cell layer to be in contact with the material to be tested, on the apical side, and with the nutrient medium, on the basal side. After 72 h of treatment with F6H8, retinal cultures lost the characteristic two-layered organization with glial cells at the bottom and neuronal cells on top of them. They appeared to be composed of only one layer of polyhedrical, flattened, and disconnected cells. TUNEL assay revealed an evident increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in F6H8-treated cultures (30.1 +/- 4.5), compared to control (10.3 +/- 2.6) and perfluoroctane-treated cultures (10.1 +/- 1.7). Immunolabeling of MAP-2, a protein of neuronal cytoskeleton, evidenced a marked loss of neurites. The results suggest that F6H8 is harmful to retinal cells in vitro and can therefore be potentially noxious to the retina as an artificial vitreous substitute.

First experiences with high-density silicone oil (Densiron) as an intraocular tamponade in complex retinal detachment

“…Therefore, in patients with a primary complex inferior retinal detachment, a well-tolerated internal tamponade with a heavier-than-water density seems to be desirable. Due to published side effects [7,8,18,20,[23][24][25]31] and our own experience, perfluorohexyloctane (F 6 H 8 ) alone cannot be recommended as a routine option in complicated inferior detachments. Therefore, Densiron 68 was investigated in the present study.…”

“…the development of chronic hypotension and extensive intraocular inflammatory reactions particularly in the anterior segment. These inflammatory reactions were often presented with severe keratopathy, early onset of dispersion, massive cell precipitation on lens/IOL, and formation of fibrinous membranes [7,8,18,20,[23][24][25]31]. They seem to be caused by a massive invasion of macrophages [31].…”

Long-Term Vitreous Replacement with Perfluorohexyloctane and Silicone Oil: Preliminary Reports of a Multicentric Study

“…The toxicity may be related to mechanical damage due to the density, nutritional deficit due to direct contact or interaction of the lipophilic portion of the F 6 H 8 with the cellular lipoprotein membrane. Malchiodi-Albedi et al [14] found structural modification and increased apoptosis on cultured retinal cells of the rat.…”

A new heavy internal tamponade in vitreoretinal surgery: an in vitro study

“…40 In addition, recent experimental studies have pointed to a possible toxic effect of F6H8 on animal and human cell cultures. 41,42 From the foregoing, it is clear that the use of FALK as internal tamponade is still a concern. Owing to their amphilic nature, FALKs are soluble in oil and liquid perfluorocarbon but insoluble in water.…”