Inhibitory effects of tranilast on the proliferation and functions of human pterygium-derived fibroblasts

Purpose. We studied the possibility that tranilast, an antiallergic and ant iproliferative drug, may be beneficial for the treatment of pterygium. Meth ods. Pterygium-derived cells were identified by immunohistochemical methods . Growth rate of pterygium-derived cells was determined by using a hemocyto meter. Chemotaxis was determined in a microchemotaxis chamber. Pterygium-de rived cells were cultured on floating collagen gel, and the contracted diam eter was measured. Collagen synthesis by pterygium-derived cells was determ ined by the collagenase digestive method. Tranilast was added to the cultur e medium at final concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mu g/ml. Resul ts, Pterygium-derived cells were stained with anti-prolylhydroxylase and an ti-a-smooth muscle actin, and identified as fibroblasts. Tranilast inhibite d the proliferation and chemotaxis of pterygium-derived fibroblasts, and th e collagen-gel contraction induced by these cells, but it exerted no inhibi tory action on collagen synthesis by pterygium-derived fibroblasts. Conclus ion, Tranilast may be useful for suppressing the recurrence and, possibly, the development of pterygium.