Role of Nitric Oxide in the Proliferative and Migratory Effect of Triamcinolone in RPE Cells

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the proliferative and migratory effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: After exposure to 10 nM, 1 micrometer, or 100 micrometer TA for four days, with or without co-exposure of antioxidant N-acetylcyteine, the proliferation and nitrite production of ARPE19 cells were assessed with MTT and Griess assays, respectively. Additionally, a cell migration assay was performed. RESULTS: Cellular survival increased after exposure to TA at low concentration but decreased at high concentration. TA decreased the production of NO and cellular migration significantly, and these effects were abolished by N-acetylcysteine. CONCLUSIONS: TA showed a biphasic response on the proliferation and decreased cellular migration in ARPE19 cells, which may be mediated by nitric oxide.