J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1988 Oct;29(5):865-871.

Ultra-structural Changes of the Retina Following Intra-vitreal Injection of Hyaluronidase (Wydase(R)) in Rabbit

• Cha SC
• Hahn DK

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental study is to find out the possibility of the experimental vitrectomy by enzymatic vitreous liquefaction followed by vitreous irrigation instead of mechanized vitrectomy or expansible gases. The study is based on the clinical, electrophysiologic and ultrastructural changes of retina following intravitreal injection of hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase(Wydase(R)) was injected intravitreally in one eye of 24 rabbits(8 groups) to create changes in the rheological properies of viscoelastic vitreous. Experimental groups were divided into 8 groups by the amount of injected hyaluronidase(1 TR unit, 2 TR unit, 4 TR unit, 8 TR unit 16 TR unit, 25 TR unit, 35 TR unit and 45 TR unit respectively). The fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed yellowish-white patches in the retina of the posterior pole on and near the visual streak in group 7 and 8. The lesion was more extensive in group 8 than in group 7. Electrophysiologic study with electroretinogram did not demonstrate any abnonnality in all experimental groups. In those groups injected more than 35 TR unit of hyaluronidase, ultrastructural study revealed focal necrosis of retina, loss of internal lmiting membrane and liquefaction of cortical vitreous localized in the visual streak. However, the changes of the retinal pigment epithelium were unremarkable in this area.

MeSH Terms

Gases
Hyaluronoglucosaminidase*
Intravitreal Injections
Membranes
Necrosis
Ophthalmoscopy
Retina*
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Vitrectomy
Gases
Hyaluronoglucosaminidase