[Growth inhibition of intraocular proliferative explants under in vitro conditions by verapamil]

For the treatment of non neoplastic proliferations in the fundus, a nontoxic, proliferation-inhibiting long-term therapy would be desirable in addition to vitreoretinal surgery. In theory, the use of calcium channel blockers as a means of prevention appears promising.

In order to test the action of Verapamil in the above application, 42 preretinal, epiretinal and subretinal membranes were removed during pars plana vitrectomy between May, 1991 and June, 1992. Following crushing, these were cultured under cell culture conditions.

Cell division outside the membranes was seen in 27 cases. In 13 cases the minimum cell count was approximately 1000 per primary culture. Subcultures were prepared from each of the latter, the cells having been divided into four portions. Two of the samples were diluted with Verapamil in a concentration of 0.25 microgram/ml. When cell fusion began, the number of intact cells in each sample was determined. Verapamil inhibited growth significantly (significance level of 0.93, P < 0.01).

A larger number of cases would have to be studied to permit more comprehensive conclusions.