Effects of Valproic Acid on the Survival of Human Tennon's Capsule Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of valproic acid on the survival of cultured human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFBs). METHODS: Primary cultured HTFBs were exposed to 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mM valproic acid with or without 0, 1.0, 2.5 µg/mL mitomycin C, and incubated for 5 days. Cell survival was assessed using an MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and the degree of apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry using annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining. RESULTS: Valproic acid decreased the survival of HTFBs in a dose-dependent manner, and survival was further decreased by adding mitomycin C to valproic acid. Both valproic acid and mitomycin C induced apoptosis of HTFBs. Valproic acid induced less apoptosis than mitomycin C. CONCLUSIONS: Valproic acid decreased the cellular survival of HTFBs and induced apoptosis. The antiproliferative effects of valproic acid were further enhanced by the addition of mitomycin C.