Effect of Latanoprost on the Cultured Human Uveal Melanocytes

ABSTRACT

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.