The effect of partial vitrectomy on blood-ocular barrier function in the rabbit

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Vitrectomy is a common ocular surgery.
• Maintaining ocular barrier integrity post-surgery is crucial for visual function.
• Standard irrigating solutions may impact post-operative recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ocular vascular permeability after vitrectomy using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI).
• To assess the efficacy of BSS PLUS versus BSS as intraocular irrigants.
• To correlate barrier function with electroretinography (ERG) outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Partial vitrectomies were performed in rabbits using BSS or BSS PLUS irrigants.
• Ocular vascular permeability was evaluated using CE-MRI with gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA).
• Aqueous and vitreous humor protein concentrations were measured, and ERG was performed post-operatively.

Main Results:

• BSS irrigant led to significant blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) leakage post-vitrectomy.
• BSS PLUS significantly reduced Gd-DTPA leakage, indicating preserved barrier function.
• ERG responses declined post-surgery but showed faster recovery (>90% by day 7) with BSS PLUS compared to BSS.

Conclusions:

• CE-MRI effectively detects subtle vascular permeability changes after ocular surgery.
• BSS PLUS irrigant offers superior protection of ocular barriers compared to BSS.
• The protective effect of BSS PLUS on barrier function correlates with improved retinal function recovery.