Abstract
Purpose::
To compare the antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties of bevacizumab (Avastin), pegaptanib (Macugen) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) on human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) cells, rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC5) and pig choroidal endothelial cells (CEC).
Methods::
Monolayer cultures of ARPE19, RGC5 and CEC were used. Bevacizumab (0.1 - 0.3 mg/ml) or pegaptanib (0.025 - 0.08 mg/ml)or ranbizumab (0.04 - 0.125 mg/ml), diluted in culture medium, were added to the cells. Expression of VEGF-receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) and von Willebrand factor was analysed by immunohistochemistry. CEC cells were stimulated with VEGFA (10 ng/ml) or VEGF165 (25 - 50 ng/ml). Cellular proliferative activity was monitored by BrdU-incorporation into cellular DNA. For cytotoxicity assays cells were grown to confluence and then cultured in a serum-depleted medium to ensure a static milieu. MTT-test was performed after one day.
Results::
CEC and ARPE19 cells stained positively for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. More than 95% of the CEC cells were positive for von Willebrand factor. Bevacizumab, pegaptanib, ranibizumab lead to a comparable moderate decrease of CEC cell proliferation. No relevant antiproliferative effect of bevacizumab pegaptanib or ranibizumab on RGC5 and ARPE19 cells could be observed. No cytotoxicity on RGC5, CEC and ARPE19 cells could be seen.
Conclusions::
Bevacizumab, pegaptanib and ranibizumab significantly suppress choroidal endothelial cell proliferation. However, no drug was superior in respect to choroidal endothelial cell proliferation.
Keywords: retina • injection • retinal culture