[Observation of phagocytosis and cell junction of rabbit IPE in vitro].

PURPOSE

To study the phagocytosis and cell junctions of iris pigment epithelium(IPE) in vitro.

METHODS

Chicken red blood cells were added to culture medium of IPE, the numbers of IPE phagocyting chick red blood cells were counted; cell junctions were observed with transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

The phagocytotic rates of IPE and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were 5.4% and 8.8% respectively; there were various tight junctions in IPE.

CONCLUSION

IPE possessd phagocytosis and barrier functions in vitro.