EFFECTS OF MITOMYCIN-C ON THE EXPRESSION OF PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN AFTER FILTERING SURGERY IN RABBITS

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of mitomy cin C on the cell replication activity in wound healing following expe rimental filtration surgery. Methods: Trabeculectomy with or without a pplication of mitomycin C was performed on albino rabbit eyes. At 1, 4 , 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery, the expression of proliferating ce ll nuclear antigen, a marker of cell proliferation, in the filtering s ite was examined immunohistochemically using a streptavidin-biotin com plex method. Results: In control eyes that underwent trabeculectomy bu t did not receive mitomycin C, the number of immunoreactive cells incr eased 4-7 days after operation and decreased markedly at around 14 day s. The filtering site was obstructed histologically at 4-7 days after operation. In the mitomycin C-treated eyes, immunoreactive cells appea red 4 days after surgery but disappeared by 7 days at the surgical sit e. The number of immunoreactive cells in the treated eyes was much low er than that in control eyes. Conclusion: The cell replication activit y was markedly inhibited by administration of mitomycin C. The filteri ng site remained open for 28 days after surgery, whereas it was comple tely obstructed within 7 days in control eyes. Immunocytochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, as used in this study, is a simpl e and reliable method for detection of cell replication activity.