Comparison of Inhibitory Effects of 5-Fluorouracil and Mitomycin C on Proliferation of Fibroblagts and Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the antiproliferative properties of Fluorouracil(5-FU) and Mitomycin C(MMC) in a tissue culture model of fibroblast and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Both drugs caused the dose dependent inhibition on proliferation of the cultured cells. The concentrations of 5 FU and MMC required for 50% inhibition of cellular growth(ID50) were 0.45mg/L and 2.3 X 10(-3)mg/L for rabbit subconjuntival fibroblasts, 0.21mg/L and 3.5 X 10(-3)mg/L for rabbit dermal fibroblast, 0.58mg/L and 7.4 X 10(-3)mg/L for rabbit retinal pigment epithelial cells, and 0.38mg/L and 3.4 X 10(-3)mg/L for human retinal pigment epithelial cells, respectively. In general, ID50 of both drugs were higher in retinal pigment epithelial cells than in fibroblasts but MMC showed same inhibitory effect on proliferation of all cell types at lower doses in comparision to 5-FU. These results suggest that 5-FU and MMC may be of significant values in the treatment of intraocular proliferative disorders and MMC, however, seems to be more useful than 5-FU if it's safty would be proved.