Effect of mitomycin C dissolved in reversible thermo-setting gel on the outcome of filtering surgery in the rabbit.

PURPOSE Based on our previous report that showed enhanced transfer of mitomycin C to the sclera and the conjunctiva by dissolving the agent into a reversible thermo-setting gel, we conducted a study to investigate the efficacy of mitomycin C gel in the rabbit. METHODS We subconjunctivally injected 0.1 mL of the mitomycin C gel solution containing several different amounts of the agent. Trephination was performed in the injected region 24 hours later. Intraocular pressure measurement, photography, and ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of the filtering bleb were conducted 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS The gel containing 3.0 microg or more mitomycin C significantly enhanced bleb formation and reduction in the intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS The reversible thermo-setting gel seems to help the filtering bleb to survive in the rabbit and deserves further investigation as a new method of mitomycin C application.