Efectividad versus toxicidad del minoxidil como agente antiproliferativo de células epiteliales de cristalino. Estudio in vitro

Laburpena

Purpose To evaluate the inhibitory effect of minoxidil on cultured proliferating lens epithelial cells (LECs) versus cytotoxic effect over corneal endothelial cells in culture, because minimum side effects over anterior chamber structures and particularly on corneal endothelium are required for successful therapy and prevention of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Methods New Zealand Rabbit LECs and corneal edothelium were cultured in DMEM at 35ºC in 5% CO2 in multiwells during 7 days. Both types of cells were exposed to minoxidil (1, 2 and 4 mM) for 1 and 24 hours. Control group and balanced salt solution group were included. After seven days multiwells were processed for light microscopy study. Morphometric study of cellular population of LECs and corneal endothelium cells were done using a computed planimetry system. Results Dose-dependent effect on LECs proliferation was noted and non-confluent colonies of cells were observed on all treated groups. Morphologic changes in normal appearence of corneal endothelial cells after 1 hour of minoxidil treatment was observed and intracellular alterations were confirmed even with the lowest dose exposure. Conclusions Although effectiveness of minoxidil suppresing in vitro LECs proliferation could be suggest as a useful therapeutic agent to prevent PCO, however the inhibitory effect of different concentrations on corneal endothelial cells conditioned its possible use on ocular surgery (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2002; 77: 361-368).