PURPOSE:To establish methods for cryopreservation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs)and cell culture from thawing of frozen cells. METHODS:Primary cultured RPEs or its first or second passages,added with 10 dimetbylsulfoxide,were kept in --20℃ for 1 to 2 hours,and then further froze to -40~C over night before being placed in liquid nitrogen. The frozen cells were thawed in 60℃ within 2 minutes. Trypan blue staining and immunocytochemical staining with anti-human keratin were performed for cell viability and differentiation. The growth curve was also determined by calculating the total number of cells/well/day. RESULTS:The viable rate from frozen RPEs was 90%. No differences were observed for growth activity between cultures from frozen cells and controls. The cells were positive with anti-human keratin staining. The logarithmic growth phase was during I to 4 days and the doubling time yeas 1.55 days. CONCLUSION: Cryopreservation of RPEs in liquid nitrogen can maintain biological activities of cells with normal growth and features after thaw- ing. This will provide cell lines for in vitro experiments and possibly for cell banks for RPE transplantation for some fundus diseases. （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1997,13:157-159）
Objective To establish a method for primary culture of iris pigment epithelial cells(IPE). MethodsEnzyme-Assisted microdissection was used to isolate and cultivate the IPE cells.An identification was made with microscopic and immunohistochemical observations.Results IPE were successfully sultured and showed on differences with RPE in primary culture and subculture.ConclusionEnzyme-Assisted microdissection is a reliable and quick method for the isolation of IPE.
Objective To investigate effects of neural retina on development of the structure of outer blood retinal barrier in embryogenesis. Methods The retinal neural epithelium (RNE) and pigment epithelium (RPE) layers of 150, 120 and 90 embryonic chicken eyes incubated for 7,10, and 14 days were peeled off. RNE was used to prepare the culture medium with different conditions (7drcSF3, 10drcSF3, 14drcSF3). RPE cells of 7- and 14-incubated chicken embryos were cultured on laminin-coated transwell filter. The SF3, 7drcSF3, 10drcSF3 , 14drcSF3 medium were used respectively in the apical chamber and SF2 was used in basolateral chamber. After the formation of monolayer, the transepithelial electrical resistance of the RPE was detected. After the fixation of RPE cells, the condition of the tight junction among the cells was observed by immunohis tochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Results For the RPE cells of 7-and 14-day incubated embryonic eyes, the difference of TER in various medium of SF3/SF2, 7drcSF3/SF2, 10drcSF3/SF2, 14drcSF3/SF2 was statistically significant (P＜0.01). The polarity of RPE cells was induced and the netlike tight junctional strands was urged in the retina-conditioned medium. Conclusion The neural retina may actively promote the formation of the structure of outer blood retinal barrier. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：237-240)
Objective To investigate the effects of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium cells(RPE). Methods Cultured human RPE cells of the 4-6 th passages were divided into two groups: Delbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) and 2%DMEM (20 g/L foeta calf serum+DMEM). PDGF (0,1,50 ng/ml) was added to medium.The expression of α-SMA was detected and quantitatively analyzed by image process of immunofluorescence.Results PDGF stimulated the expression of α-SMA of human RPE cells.In group of DMEM, The rate of RPE of α-SMA expression was 40%-50% and the intension of fluorescence was 8.08 without PDGF. After stimulated by PDGF(1 ng/ml,50 ng/ml), the rates were 80% and 90% respectively, and the intension of fluorescence were 12.35 and 17.23. In 2%DMEM group, The rates of RPE of α-SMA expression were 85% without PDGF, and 95% ,100% respectively treated with PDGF (1 ng/ml,50 ng/ml). The intension of fluorescence was 14.79 without PDGF, and after stimulated by PDGF, they were 16.28 at 1 ng/ml and 21.36 at 50 ng/ml，which was 2 .7 times ber than that in DMEM group without PDGF. Conclusion PDGF could stimulate RPE cells to express α-SMA. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2003，19：201-268)
Objective To study the characteristics of choroidal circulation in RP. Methods Using ICGA to obse rve 37 cases of RP and compare with healthy volunteers. Results ① The earliest fluorescein filling time of the choroidal arteries in RP group was (14.38plusmn;3.95) seconds,the choroidal veinous in RP group was (17.27plusmn;5.94) seconds,and there was no obvious difference between RP and control group.②The fluorescein failing time of choroidal vein in RP group was (475.75 plusmn;153.70)seconds.③The area of the bright fluorenscence in posterior fundus in RP group was (41.20plusmn;19.99) mm2,and compared with the control group,there was significant difference (P＜0.0001). ④In the mid to late phase during ICGA，in RP group the veillike hypofluorescence was found in 61 e yes (84.7%),plaque hyperfluorescence in posterior fundus in 21 eyes (29.2%),and leakage of heperfluorescence in 4 eyes(5.6%). Conclusion ①The perfusion pressure of choroidal vessels in RP reveals no c hange.②The blood volume of choroidal vessels becomes decreased in RP.③The choroidal capillaries become atrophic in RP.④Choroidal neovascularization may occur in patients with RP. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2001,17:26-29)
Replacement of diseased retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells with healthy RPE cells by transplantation is one option to treat several retinal degenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration, which are caused by RPE loss and dysfunction. A cellular scaffold as a carrier for transplanted cells, may hold immense promise for facilitating cell migration and promoting the integration of RPE cells into the host environment. Scaffolds can be prepared from a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Strategies, such as surface modification and structure adjustment, can improve the biomimetic properties of the scaffolds, optimize cell attachment and cellular function following transplantation and lay a foundation of clinical application in the future.
Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of apoptosis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods The growth media of confluency human RPE cells were replaced with a daunoblastinacontaining one at a dose of 180mu;g/L,and the cells were incubated for 12 hr at 37℃.After incubation with the drug,the medium was withdrawn,fresh medium was added and incubation was carried out for an additional 24 hr.Apoptosis was monitored by light microscopy,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated biotin-dUTP nick-end labelling(TUNEL)staining.The expression of bax and bcl-2 were evaluated by immuncoytochemical staining with anti-human bcl-2 and bax antibodies. Results After the RPE cells treated with daunoblastina,shrinkage of cytoplasm and nucleus was identified.The ratio of nucleus to cytoplasm was increased.TUNEL staining showed that many cells were positive staining.The amount of apoptotic cells was directly proportional to the drug dose.The integral optical desity values for expression of bax inereased by 22.0%(Plt;0.05), and that of bcl-2 did not change significantly(Pgt;0.05). Conclusions During human RPE cell apoptosis induced by daunoblastina,overexpression of bax or low bcl-2/bax ratio were demonstrated.The results suggest that bax and bcl-2 gene expression could play a role in regulation of RPE cell apoptosis. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 1999, 15: 153-156)