[Cytotoxicity of mitomycin C in rabbit eyes]

The cytotoxic effects of mitomycin C (MMC) on intact rabbit eyes were studied using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A volume of 0.1 ml MMC solution (0.4 mg/ml) was given to rabbits subconjunctivally once a day. The eyes were enucleated at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after subconjunctival injection. MMC showed considerable cytotoxicity in most tissues of the rabbit eyes, such as the cornea, the iris, especially to the choroid and the ciliary body. However, MMC cytotoxicity in the sclera was slight. Based on the above results it is concluded that MMC should not be used when the cornea or sclera is invaded, for example after pterygial resection, and scleral necrosis due to MMC could occur due to the damage of alimentary vessels of the sclera.