Effect of beta radiation on proliferating human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts.

The effects of different doses of beta radiation from a strontium-90 source on the proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts were studied. The cultured fibroblasts were exposed to doses of 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 3000 rads, and cell numbers were counted at days 3, 7, and 14. Treatment inhibited the proliferation of the fibroblasts. At seven days the cells exposed to 3000 rads showed a decrease relative to the starting cell numbers, and at 14 days the cells exposed to 1500 and 3000 rads showed a decrease in cell numbers. The doses of radiation which inhibited cell proliferation more than 50% (at day 7 and 14) and yet did not cause a decrease in the cell population were 500, 750, and 1000 rads. beta Radiation reduces the proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts, and at higher doses this effect may be more pronounced one and two weeks after irradiation.