EFFECT OF ACLACINOMYCIN-A ON IN-VITRO CULTURES OF PORCINE LENS EPITHELIAL-CELLS

As a potential drug for the prevention of secondary cataract formation (SCF), we investigated the effect of Aclacinomycin A (ACM) on the gro wth of cultures of porcine lens epithelial cells in vitro. ACM is an a nthracycline that has been used in the treatment of acute myeloid leuk emia in the human for many years. It has been shown to be non-mutageni c and non-carcinogenic in in vitro and in animal models. Subconfluent cell cultures were exposed to different concentrations of ACM for 5 mi nutes. The drug effect was evaluated by cell counts after Various leng ths of culture time (between 1 and 10 weeks). No cells survived the tr eatment with 12 or 16 mu g ml(-1). Cultures treated with concentration s between 0.5 and 8 mu g ml(-1) showed a marked decrease in cell numbe r when compared to controls. However, reproliferation occurred at conc entration up to 8 mu g ml(-1) after 2-6 weeks. Intraocular application of ACM might be suitable in the prevention of SCF. However, with rega rd to reproliferation, long-term cultures (or longterm animal models, respectively) have to be used in further evaluating the appropriate do sage for this purpose. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.