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.