[Culture and study on melanogenesis of mongolian uveal melanocytes in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To establish cell lines of Mongolian uveal melanocytes from adult donor eyes, and to study melanogenesis of these cells in vitro.


METHODS
After removal of pigment epithelium, UM were isolated by trypsin-collagenase digestion. Isolated cells were cultured with F12 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, basic fibroblast growth factor, isobutylmethylxanthine and cholera toxin. Melanin content was measured by spectrophotometer. Melanin production was calculated by a formula. The antibodies used in immunocytochemical studies were anti-cytokeratin and anti-S-100 antibodies.


RESULTS
Pure melanocytes cultures were obtained by this method. All of the cells in the cultures stained positively with antibodies to S-100, but not cytokeratin, indicating that they were pure culture of UM. In the growing UM, melanin content was (79.83 +/- 36.20) pg/cell (mean +/- SD). Melanin production was (11.44 +/- 5.77) pg per cell/24 h.


CONCLUSIONS
Uveal melanocytes from Mongolian eyes are successfully cultured. Cultured uveal melanocytes can synthesize melanin in vitro. Melanin content and melanin production of Mongolian UM lie between those from black and Caucasian eyes.
Zhou
Xiang-tian
XT
School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325000, China. zxt-dr@wz.zj.cn
Qu
Jia
J
Fu
Xiao-ying
XY
Lu
Fan
F
Hu
Dan-ning
DN
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014602:Uvea / Q000166:cytology*
D008543:Melanins