Cis-hydroxyproline inhibits adhesion, migration and proliferation of cultured rabbit keratocytes.

Recruitment of keratocytes into injured corneal stroma, and secretion of proteins including collagen in the cells are essential for wound healing of the corneal stroma. We examined the effect of a proline analog, cis-hydroxyproline, on the adhesion, migration and growth of rabbit keratocytes in vitro. This agent decreased the plating efficiency, migration and growth of the keratocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction in these cellular activities may reflect altered functions of pericellular proteins such as collagen. Further studies are needed to determine which specific protein is involved.