The effect of 0.02% Mitomycin-C drop in prevention of epithelial ingrowth in corneal stroma of rabbit as an animal experimental model

Background: Mitomycin–C (MM-C) is an alkylating anti-tumor antibiotic, which interrupts DNA replication and inhibits routine synthesis and cell mitosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of MM-C on the epithelial ingrowth which is a sight threatening complication after corneal surgeries. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 corneas of 25 Dutch Albino rabbits. Lamellar keratectomy was performed and after the application of MM-C 0.02 % or balanced salt solution (control group), the epithelial cells were implanted on the stromal bed. After sixty days, light microscopic exam was performed on the excised corneas. Results: Three eyes in the MM-C group and no eye in the control group showed epithelial cell growth under the corneal flap. Conclusion: In this study, application of MM-C 0.02% drop at the time of operation had no preventive role in the corneal epithelial cell proliferation under rabbit’s corneal flap. So, implantation of the epithelial cells under the corneal flap is not the sole causative factor of epithelial ingrowth in the stroma of the rabbit’s cornea.