Suppression of human retinal pigment epithelial cell proliferation by hyperthermia

To investigate the effects of hyperthermia on the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells, in vitro growth of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells was studied following heat treatment. Forty-eight hours after plating, heat treatment of 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C to 45 degrees C for 30 or 60 minutes was given to retinal pigment epithelial cells. On days 1, 3, and 7, cell proliferation was evaluated by cell number counting and by DNA synthesis analysis. Hyperthermia gave statistically significant suppression of cell growth above 43 degrees C heat treatment and absolute cell number reduction above 44 degrees C on the seventh day. Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was significantly suppressed with 43 degrees C for 60 minutes or above 44 degrees C heat treatment. Hyperthermia may be a potential new therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.