Posterior vitreous detachment induced by injection of plasmin and sulfur hexafluoride in the rabbit vitreous.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether an injection of plasmin and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) can induce posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) without vitrectomy.

METHODS

One eye each of 15 New Zealand white rabbits was assigned to one of three groups. Eyes in group 1 received a vitreous injection of 1 unit of human plasmin (0.1 mL reconstituted in balanced salt solution) and 0.5 mL of SF6; eyes in group 2 received a vitreous injection of plasmin alone; eyes in group 3 received a vitreous injection of SF6 alone. Seven days after injection, all animals were monitored electroretinographically and killed, and the eyes were enucleated. After fixation, scanning electron microscopy was performed.

RESULTS

In group 1 eyes, the retinal surface was smooth except for the vitreous base, which showed complete separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina, indicating PVD. In group 2 and 3 eyes, sparse collagen fibers remained on the retinal surface.

CONCLUSION

Vitreous injection of plasmin combined with SF6 can induce PVD without vitrectomy.