[Culture and identification of fetal human retinal photoreceptors].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the methods of isolation and culture of fetal human retinal photoreceptors.


METHODS
Fetal human retinal photoreceptors were obtained by enzyme gradation digestion, cultured in media conditioned by retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE-CM), identified by morphologic observation and immunohistochemically stained with rod specific opsin 4D2 (Rho 4D2) antibody. The digested retinal tissues were tested by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.


RESULTS
Enzyme gradation digestion could obtain relatively pure retinal photoreceptors. These cells were stained positively for Rho 4D2 antibody, and survived in RPE-CM for a long time.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal human retinal photoreceptors obtained by enzyme gradation digestion can survive in RPE-CM for a long time and express rod specific opsin. This culture system will provide a source for human retinal photoreceptor transplantation and further studies of photoreceptors in vitro.
Tang
S
S
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Luo
Y
Y
Lin
S
S
Zheng
H
H
Zheng
J
J
Huang
Q
Q
D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000378:metabolism*; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D012160:Retina; D012243:Rhodopsin / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013997:Time Factors
D012243:Rhodopsin