Mitomycin C: a promising agent for the treatment of canine corneal scarring.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) in prevention of canine corneal scarring.

METHODS:

With an in vitro approach using healthy canine corneas, cultures of primary canine corneal fibroblasts or myofibroblasts were generated. Primary canine corneal fibroblasts were obtained by growing corneal buttons in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Canine corneal myofibroblasts were produced by growing cultures in serum-free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). Trypan blue assay and phase-contrast microscopy were used to evaluate the toxicity of three doses of MMC (0.002%, 0.02% and 0.04%). Real-time PCR, immunoblot, and immunocytochemistry techniques were used to determine MMC efficacy to inhibit markers of canine corneal scarring.

RESULTS:

A single 2-min treatment of 0.02% or less MMC did not alter canine corneal fibroblast or keratocyte phenotype, viability, or growth. The 0.02% dose substantially reduced myofibroblast formation (up to 67%; P < 0.001), as measured by the change in RNA and protein expression of fibrosis biomarkers (α-smooth muscle actin and F-actin).

CONCLUSION:

This in vitro study suggests that a single 2-min 0.02% MMC treatment to the canine corneal keratocytes is safe and may be useful in decreasing canine corneal fibrous metaplasia. In vivo studies are warranted.

• Authors: Rangan Gupta, Benjamin W Yarnall, Elizabeth A Giuliano, Jagat R Kanwar, Dylan G Buss, Rajiv R Mohan
• Journal: Veterinary ophthalmology (Vet Ophthalmol) Vol. 14 Issue 5 Pg. 304-12 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1463-5224 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21929607 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2011 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Chemical References

• Actins
• Mitomycin

Topics

• Actins
• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Cicatrix (prevention & control)
• Corneal Diseases (drug therapy)
• Corneal Keratocytes (drug effects)
• Dog Diseases (drug therapy)
• Dogs
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Fibroblasts (drug effects)
• Mitomycin (therapeutic use)
• Stromal Cells (drug effects)