To prevent the development of secondary cataract, mitomycin C (MC, 0.2
mg/ml) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 50 mg/ml) were introduced in the irr
igating solution (BSS Plus) during an extracapsular lens extraction in
albino rabbits. Cellular multiplication in the whole lens capsule was
quantified by means of flow cytometry. The total number of residual c
ells in the capsule after lens extraction together with the mitotic ph
ases of the cell cycle were studied. a statistically significant diffe
rence (p < 0.005, Student t test) was obtained between the two groups
treated with antimitotics when compared with the control group regardi
ng the inhibition of mitosis in the capsular cell population together
with the total cell number. However, 5-FU has shown a more potent inhi
bitory effect than MC (p < .0.005, Student t test). We did not record
any ocular complication during a postoperative period of 2 months. MC
and 5-FU could be a promising alternative in the prevention of posteri
or capsule opacification.