OBJECTIVE: This study aims at observing the inhibition of cell proliferation in primary pterygium by the use in vitro of mitomicyn C, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate. METHODS: Pterigyum was removed from seven pacients between 30 and 60 years and were submitted to culture of epithelial cells. Later the effect of drugs was tested on the cells: cyclophsphamide, methotrexate, mitomicyn. The cells were observed for five days under the microscope to assess cellular proliferation, and the experiments were repeated five times RESULTS: When mitomicyn was used, a marked inhibition of cellular proliferation was observed. When cyclophosphamide was used there also was inhibition of cellular proliferation, 50% within 24 hs of the culture exposition to the drug increasing in the following days CONCLUSION: The inhibition effects in the cellular proliferation by the use of mitomicyn C was already expected, but the use of cyclophosphamide was also very effective. The cyclophsphamide inhibitory action on fibroblastic proliferation in vitro lead us to believe that it may be used to prevent pterygium recurrence after incision. However, tests in animals and later in humans are necessary.
Cell proliferation; Mitomycin; Cyclophosphamide; Pterygium; Methotrexate; Recurrence
