The Toxicity of Trypan Blue and Indocyanine Green to Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To determine the toxicity of trypan blue (TB) and indocyanine green (ICG) on cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)cells, and to determine if light plays a role in toxicity. Methods: Both trypan blue and indocyanine green of different concentrations were exposed to RPE cells for different time periods, either with or without light. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the WST-1 colorimetric assay. The control was BSS exposed to the RPE cells either with or without light. The P value was pre-determined at <0.05. Analysis of Variance was performed. Results:ICG at the higher concentration demonstrated toxicity (p<0.05) to the RPE cells when exposed to light. TB also showed toxicity to the cells in the presence of light (p<0.05). Statistical significance was also found when comparing ICG and TB to the RPE cells with light. ICG showed more toxicity than did trypan blue. Conclusions:Exposure of cultured RPE cells to ICG and TB shows evidence for cytotoxicity in the presence of light.

Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium • stress response • clinical laboratory testing