Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Cultures: Physiolo

National Eye Institute

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Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetes affect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function and lead to retinal degeneration, vision loss and blindness. To study RPE function, physiology and pathology many laboratories have attempted to culture RPE as a more accessible alternative to native tissue. This goal has been accomplished with varying degrees of success due to the functional and morphological complexity of the RPE and its neighboring cells in the retina and the choroid. We have developed techniques for culturing confluent monolayers of human fetal RPE cells that exhibit morphology, physiology, and patterns of protein expression similar to native human fetal RPE. One of the goals of this work was to identify a set of commercially available ingredients to create stable and reproducible RPE cell cultures. We been able to produce confluent pigmented RPE cell cultures with classic epithelial morphology, transepithelial potential of 1 - 3mV, and transepithelial resistance greater than 400 Oms*cm2. Epithelial polarity and function in these cell cultures closely resemble that previously shown in native fetal human RPE as measured by electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, and fluid transport responses to pharmacological perturbations at the apical and basolateral membrane of the RPE.