The effects of D-penicillamine and daunorubicin on conjunctival fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis

Two drugs, D-penicillamine and daunorubicin, were tested for their effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis of cultured conjunctival fibroblasts. This cell type is likely responsible for scar formation and ultimate filter surgery failure in glaucoma patients. Both drugs were antiproliferative; however, D-penicillamine required 2000 times the concentration of daunorubicin to achieve a similar degree of inhibition. D-penicillamine had a more consistent effect on intracellular collagen synthesis than daunorubicin at the doses tested. In contrast, at concentrations of daunorubicin where all proliferation ceased, intracellular production and extracellular transport of collagen were maintained.