Inhibitory effects of interleukin-1 blockers ore corneal fibroblast proliferation

The regulation of wound healing is one of the most important fields of research in ophthalmology today. Rabbit corneal fibroblast cultures were used to study the effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1), blockers on the proliferation of fibroblasts which is closely related to the wound healing. It was found that IL-1 blockers, such as CK-17, CK-101A, CK-102 and CK-103A, suppress fibroblast proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA synthesis was significantly inhibited by CK-17 and CK-103A but not by CK-101A and CK-102. Although the synthesis of mRNA was reduced by all CK-compounds at most concentrations tested, the synthesis of protein was only slightly reduced or unaffected. These results indicate that CK-compounds are potent fibroblast inhibitors but not cytolytic agents.