Effects of perfluorocarbon liquids and silicone oil on human retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract

To examine the effects of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and silicone oil (SO) on human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro. Human RPE cells (ARPE-19 cells), seeded on microporous inserts, were exposed to PFCL or SO and incubated for 3 or 7 days. Perfluorocarbon liquid was in contact with cells at the apical or baso-lateral side, not inhibiting cell feeding. Then, the quantification of cell proliferation and cell viability were evaluated by WST-1 assay. In the same way, RGCs were exposed for 1 hour or 3 days, and the number of viable RGCs was counted by using a fluorescence viability agent. Perfluorocarbon liquid affected the survival of ARPE-19 cells and RGCs when compared with the nontreated control group. ARPE-19 cells decreased significantly after being in contact with PFCL at the baso-lateral side for 7 days. However, PFCL contact at the apical side reduced the number of RGCs in a time-dependent manner. In case of SO, the viability of the ARPE-19 cells decreased significantly after being in contact with SO at the baso-lateral side for 7 days. However, SO did not reduce the number of RGCs after a 3-day exposure. Perfluorocarbon liquid is directly toxic to ARPE-19 cells when exposed to the cells for 7 days. On the contrary, it seems that RGCs are damaged in a time-dependent manner by the more mechanical rather than toxic effects of PFCL. Silicone oil seems to exert mechanical rather than toxic effects on ARPE-19 cells. When PFCL is used as a postoperative tamponade clinically, understanding the difference in the effects will lead to more effective and safer results.