Effect of Latanoprost on the Cultured Human Uveal Melanocytes

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of latanoprost on the melanogenesis and endogenous PG release. METHODS: Primarily cultured uveal human melanocytes were exposed to 0.1 micrometer, 1 micrometer, and 10 micrometer of PhXA85 and also co-exposured with 1 micrometer of indomethacine or hydrocortisone, the melanin content of each melanocyte was measured with spectrophotometer after 1 week. RESULTS: After 1 week, the melanin content of each melanocyte was increased with 1 micrometer, 10 micrometer of PhXA85(p<0.05). After co-exposure with indomethacine or hydrocortisone, the amount of increased melanin content was less than that of PhXA85 alone and statistically significant with 10 micrometer of PhXA85(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that PhXA85 stimulates melanogenesis of cultured human uveal mela-nocytes and also suggests the possibility of exogenous PGF2 alpha-induced release of endogenous prostaglandin.

Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy: A Case of Atypical Presentation

Unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy(UAIM)is a rare, self-limiting disorder that affects healthy young adults who experience sudden, severe visual loss. It is characterized by an exudative maculopathy with irregular margins and yellowish-white thickening at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE). The fluorescein angiographic findings characteristically demonstrate early irregular hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence at the level of RPE lesion, followed by complete staining of the overlying neurosensory retinal detachment in the late phase. A characteristic bulls-eye pattern pigmentary changes may occur in the macula after resolution of the acute phase of the disease. We report a patient with atypical presentation of UAIM in which multifocal leaks at the RPE level on the fluorescein angiography was observed.

Effect of Trusopt and Xalatan on the Proliferation of Cultured Subconjunctival Fibro blasts

The prior long-term use of topical anti-glaucoma medications has been suggested as an adverse factor for the outcome of trabeculectomy. The mechanism of action is still unclear. This study investigates the effect of Trusopt and Xalatan on the proliferation and viability of human Tenon`s capsule fibroblasts in tissue culture. We examined the effect of two commercial drugs, Trusopt and Xalatan, and pure benzalkonium chloride, at various dilution, on the proliferation as assessed by MTT assay and assessed micro-scopically the viability of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts in tissue culture. None of the tested compounds stimulated proliferation of fibroblasts in tissue culture and inhibited proliferation. All had toxic effects on cell morphology. These results show an antiproliferative and toxic effect of Trusopt and Xalatan on the fibroblasts in tissue culture and no direct stimulation of fibroblast proliferation.