Histopathologic abnormalities in rabbit retina after intravitreous injection of expansive gases and air

To evaluate histopathologic retinal changes in rabbit eyes after injection of pure perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas, pure sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas, or air into the vitreous cavity.

Air, C3F8 gas, or SF6 gas (0.4 mL each) were injected into rabbit vitreous cavities. Two, 4, and 6 weeks later, light and electron microscopic examinations were conducted, and the immunohistochemical localization of glutamate in the retina was studied. Noninjected eyes served as controls.

At all time points, thinning or disappearance of the outer plexiform layer in the superior retina in eyes that received C3F8 gas was found; the inferior retina was the same as in controls. In eyes that received SF6 gas or air, light and electron microscopy showed that the superior and inferior retina were the same as in controls at all time points. Immunohistochemical examination showed abnormal glutamate distribution of the superior retina in eyes injected with C3F8 gas, SF6 gas, or air. However, glutamate distribution was the same as in controls in the inferior retina in eyes injected with C3F8 gas, SF6 gas, or air.

Retinal tamponade using intraocular gases induces histopathologic retinal changes in the superior retina of the rabbit eye, where the gases are in continuous contact with the eye.