Induction of apoptosis in rat retinal cell cultures by partially fluorinated alkanes

PURPOSE: To test whether the partially fluorinated alkanes (PFAs) perfluorobutylbutane (O-44), perfluoro, hexylethan (O-62), and the oligomer OL62HV, recently proposed as artificial vitreous replacements (AVRs), have pro-apoptotic effect in rat retinal cultures. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. METHODS: Rat retinal cell cultures were seeded onto microporous inserts to study AVR-cell interaction without impairing cell survival. Cells were treated for 24 hours with O-62, O-44, and OL62HV. Apoptosis was analyzed by transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end, labeling assay and Hoechst stain. RESULTS: O-44 and O-62 did not affect structural organization and cell survival in retinal cell cultures; however, OL62HV induced increased apoptosis compared with control cultures. CONCLUSIONS: OL62HV, a high,viscosity PFA, induces severe retinal damage in human eyes, although it successfully passed animal experimentation. Our in vitro study showed a remarkable pro-apoptotic effect of OL62HV and suggests that in vitro tests can contribute to AVR biocompatibility assessment. (c) 2005 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.