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[The effect of neurotransmitters on rabbit cornea]
M Watanabe1, K Nakayasu, A Kanai
1Eye Department of Asama Municipal Hospital, Japan.
Purpose:
To ascertain the effect of neurotransmitters added to the culture medium of rabbit corneal epithelium and stromal cells.
Method:
The corneal epithelium and stromal cells were cultured in RCGM medium. Three neurotransmitters were added to the medium : substance P, acetylcholine, and vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP).
Results:
Proliferation of epithelial cells significantly increased after incubation for 24 hours with substance P (p < 0.05). There was no change in proliferation after addition of acetylcholine or VIP. The extension of epithelial cell layer increased after addition of substance P but not after addition of acetylcholine or VIP. No change was induced in proliferation of stromal cells or extension of the stromal cell layer after addition of any one of the three substances.
Conclusion:
Substance P stimulates the proliferation of corneal epithelial cells when added to the culture medium.