The effect of cyclosporin A on cultured rabbit subconjunctival fibroblast proliferation

The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of local applicat ion of a potent immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), on fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Rabbit subconjunctival fibroblasts were cultured an d incubated with varying doses of CsA (from 0.5 to 5%). Growth inhibition c urves were obtained, and cell attachment and reversibility of drug-induced growth inhibition were studied. None of the doses stimulated fibroblast pro liferation. CsA inhibited fibroblast proliferation depending on the dose an d duration of application. Also, drug-induced growth inhibition decreased d epending on dose and duration of application. While the dosage which led to 50% inhibition was found to be 7.2 mg/ml, 4% and higher doses had toxic ef fects.