Extraocular application of mitomycin C in a rabbit model: cytotoxic effects on the ciliary body and epithelium

Ophthalmic Surg. 1994 Apr;25(4):240-4.

Abstract

Since prolonged postoperative hypotony has been a frequent complication of glaucomatous filtration surgery in which mitomycin C (MMC) was used, it is important to determine the intraocular toxic effects of the drug. We placed MMC, in concentrations of 0.05, 0.2, and 1.0 mg/mL on the intact sclera of rabbits and obtained the eyes after 1, 7, and 28 days. Examination of the ciliary epithelium by transmission electron microscopy revealed an electron-dense material near the endoplasmic reticulum. Large intracellular vacuoles were present, and the mitochondria appeared swollen. These findings suggest a toxic effect of MMC on the ciliary epithelium in rabbits after extraocular application, possibly decreasing aqueous production.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ciliary Body / drug effects*
  • Ciliary Body / pathology
  • Female
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / pathology
  • Mitomycin / administration & dosage
  • Mitomycin / toxicity*
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / drug effects*
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / pathology
  • Rabbits
  • Sclera / drug effects*
  • Sclera / pathology
  • Vacuoles / drug effects
  • Vacuoles / pathology

Substances

  • Mitomycin