Low-dose colchicine inhibits astrocyte, fibroblast, and retinal pigment epithelial cell migration and proliferation

M. Lemor, S. de Bustros and B. M. Glaser

We studied the effect of low-dose colchicine on cell proliferation and migration. Colchicine at doses well below the level of ocular toxicity was found to be a potent inhibitor of astrocyte, fibroblast, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell proliferation and migration. A colchicine concentration of 1.3 X 10(-8) mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L, and 1.7 X 10(-8) mol/L showed a 50% inhibition of proliferation for RPE, astrocytes, and fibroblasts, respectively. At 10(-7) mol/L, colchicine inhibited 44%, 46%, and 93% of RPE, astrocyte, and fibroblast migration, respectively. Low-dose colchicine appears to be an effective inhibitor of RPE, astrocyte, and fibroblast migration and proliferation in vitro.