AIM: To investigate the effect of all trans- retinoic acid(ATRA)on proliferation of human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)in vitro and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery.

METHODS: HPF was cultivated in vitro. MTT assay was used to detect the effect on proliferation of HPF after incubation for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours in the different concentration of ATRA. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)in each group was detected by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS: Administration of 10^-8 mmol/L ATRA for 24 hours could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose- and-time dependent manner(P<0.05). ATRA could inhibit the expression of PCNA in HPF in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:ATRA can significantly inhibit HPF proliferation.