The cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil on cultured human conjunctival cells

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been recently injected subconjunctivally following glaucoma filtering surgery to prevent scar formation. We studied the effect of short time exposure of 5-FU on cultured human conjunctival cells. Thirty second exposure to 5-FU more than 100 micrograms/ml caused significant inhibition of cell growth and morphological changes such as decrease of mitotic cells, increase of vacuoles in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin clumping against the nuclear membrane and formation of white-yellowish granules in the cytoplasm and scanning electron microscopy showed reduction of microvilli and filopodia. Although cell growth 48 hrs after the passage of cells exposed to 100 micrograms/ml 5-FU was restored, morphological changes were remained.