The growth of endothelium from human corneal rims in tissue culture.
The authors report the successful in vitro growth of human corneal endothelium derived from 12 of 31 corneal-scleral rims obtained following corneal transplantation. The average age of donors whose endothelium grew was 17.6 +/- 3.2 years. The average interval between death and culturing was 51.5 +/- 10.1 hr. The cells migrated from the explants within 3-7 days and were characterized by a flattened, polygonal shape with a centrally located nucleus. Cell growth exhibited a doubling time of 72-96 hr in the second and third tissue culture passages. A reduced growth rate was observed by cell lines maintained in vitro for over 6 months. Fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and endothelial cell growth supplement all exerted a positive influence on cell proliferation. Corneal-scleral rims can be a valuable source of endothelial cells for corneal research.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003470:Culture Media; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors
D003470:Culture Media; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D006133:Growth Substances; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor