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Abstract #6554 Published in IGR 3-2
A murine cell culture model for post-trabeculectomy antifibrotic treatment: induction of apoptosis by cyclosporin
Cristofanilli M; Pescosolido N; Risuleo G; Scarsella GActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2001; 79: 309-312
PURPOSE: Experimental trials aimed at the research of selective antifibrotic agents are under development for the alternative treatment of glaucoma patients who are usually considered high-risk post-surgical individuals after trabeculectomy. The authors present an in vivo model system for the treatment of post-trabeculectomy patients. The study is aimed at the evaluation of different drugs in a mouse fibroblast model. METHODS: The antifibrotic activity of cyclosporin A, interferon 2α, and 5-fluorouracyl was investigated on 3T6 cells in culture. Cell viability and proliferation was assessed after drug treatment. Molecular analysis of DNA degradation was evaluated by means of radioactive labelling and gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The three drugs were shown to affect cell proliferation and viability in a differential fashion. However, only cyclosporin A was able to control cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis. This phenomenon was reduced by supplementation of trolox, a compound known to inhibit programmed cell death. These results strongly suggest that this model system might be useful as a test of pharmacological functionality. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid and efficient model system is described for the assessment of cell viability and proliferation after treatment with agents of potential pharmacological use. Cyclosporin A induces significant apoptosis. This is important for the negative control of fibrotic degeneration in post-trabeculectomy which is required for successful surgery in glaucoma patients. Therefore, cyclosporin A might become a clinically interesting drug for antifibrotic treatment post-trabeculectomy.
Dr M. Cristofanilli, Dipartimento di Genetica e Biologia Molecolare, Università di Roma 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
Classification:
12.8.10 Woundhealing antifibrosis (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)