Inhibitory Effect of Mitomycin C (MMC) on the Proliferation of Human Corneal Keratocyte

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of mitomycin C (MMC) on human corneal keratocyte, and to investigate the cellular morphology of keratocyte according to the concentration and exposure time in vitro. METHODS: Human corneal keratocytes using endothelium-free explant method were exposed to 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.05% concentration of MMC for 3, 5, and 10 minutes. MTT based colorimetric assay was performed to assess the inhibition of cellular proliferation, and cellular morphology was evaluated by inverted phase-contrast light microscope and electron microscope. RESULTS: Use of higher concentration MMC and prolongation of exposure time resulted in greater inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation. When exposed to 0.005% MMC for 3, 5 and 10 minutes, the survival rate of keratocyte was 100%, 95.7% and 74.0% respectively. At 0.01% MMC, the survival rate was 98.6%, 92.9%, and 66.9%. At 0.05% MMC, it was 74.0%, 73.4%, and 38.8%. Exposure to the highest concentration (0.05%) among the 3 preparations for 3 or 5 minutes showed significant inhibition of keratocyte proliferation (p<0.05), and when exposed for 10 minutes, all 3 preparations showed significant inhibition of keratocyte proliferation (p<0.05). Inverted phase-contrast light microscopy showed that human corneal keratocytes lost their adherence to the bottom of the dish and assumed round and swollen shape rather than spindle shape when exposed to higher concentration of MMC for a prolonged time. The damaged keratocytes showed the degenerative changes like cellular membrane disruption, disappearance of microvilli, enlargement of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and vacuole formation by electronic microscope. CONCLUSIONS: When MMC is applied to inhibit the proliferation of keratocytes involved in corneal wound healing, it seems to be a valuable application at least 0.05% concentration for 3 minutes. Further studies should be followed for the biological effect of MMC including drug toxicity associated with human corneal tissue in vivo.