Role of Nitric Oxide on the Proliferation of Human Tenon Capsule Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of nitric oxide(NO) on the survival and proliferation of human Tenon capsule fibroblasts(HTCF) in tissue culture. METHODS: Following exposure to NO donor such as sodium nitroprusside(SNP) or to NO synthase inhibitor such as N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME) at various concentrations for 24 hr in the media with or without serum, the cellular proliferation and nitrite production were assessed by rapid colorimetric assay (MTT assay) and Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: L-NAME decreased the cellular proliferation of HTCF in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, SNP increased the proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The differences of nitrite production were more remarkable in the serum-deprived condition with the L-NAME or SNP administration. CONCLUSIONS: NO donor has a proproliferative, and NOS inhibitor has a antiproliferative activities on the proliferation of HTCF. This suggests that NO may be act as an important modulator in wound healing.