Early development of retinal subtypes in long-term cultures of human embryonic retina.
OBJECTIVE
To study early signs of neuronal and glial differentiation in the human embryonic retina.


METHODS
6.5-to 8-week-old human embryos were obtained from elective abortions. The neuroretinas were kept in culture as full-thickness sheets for 7-42 days.


RESULTS
The control retinas consisted of a neuroblast cell layer and a thin marginal zone. Most explants displayed presence of retinal lamination, but also contained regions of disorganization. Vimentin labeling showed vertically arranged Müller cells in all explants. Recoverin-labeled photoreceptors appeared in explants kept 14 days and longer. By labeling with antibodies against PKC and parvalbumin, rod bipolar cells and amacrine cells could be seen in explants kept for 42 days in culture.


CONCLUSIONS
We have shown that the embryonic full-thickness neuroretina can survive in a culture environment for at least 6 weeks, and can develop several types of the retina-specific neuronal and glial cells.
Engelsberg
Karl
K
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. karl.engelsberg@med.lu.se
Ehinger
Berndt
B
Ghosh
Fredrik
F
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010320:Parvalbumins / Q000378:metabolism; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000378:metabolism; D051603:Recoverin / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015293:Transducin / Q000378:metabolism; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D010320:Parvalbumins; D014746:Vimentin; D051603:Recoverin; D011493:Protein Kinase C; D015293:Transducin