[The effect of neurotransmitters on rabbit cornea].
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the effect of neurotransmitters added to the culture medium of rabbit corneal epithelium and stromal cells.


METHODS
The corneal epithelium and stromal cells were cultured in RCGM medium. Three neurotransmitters were added to the medium : substance P, acetylcholine, and vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP).


RESULTS
Proliferation of epithelial cells significantly increased after incubation for 24 hours with substance P (p < 0.05). There was no change in proliferation after addition of acetylcholine or VIP. The extension of epithelial cell layer increased after addition of substance P but not after addition of acetylcholine or VIP. No change was induced in proliferation of stromal cells or extension of the stromal cell layer after addition of any one of the three substances.


CONCLUSIONS
Substance P stimulates the proliferation of corneal epithelial cells when added to the culture medium.
Watanabe
M
M
Eye Department of Asama Municipal Hospital, Japan.
Nakayasu
K
K
Kanai
A
A
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011817:Rabbits; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D013373:Substance P; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D000109:Acetylcholine