[The study of the biological character on the culture of human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro].

PURPOSE

To establish the culture of human trabecular cells in vitro and to study their biological character.

METHOD

The trabecular specimens from human eyes were cultured. The morphologic features of cultured cells were examined by light and electron microscopy, the immunohistochemical characteristics and the proliferative curve of the cultured cells were also investigated.

RESULTS

The primary cells in culture are multiangular or irregular, and the confluent trabecular cells grow as a single cell layer. The junctions between trabecular cells observed most frequently are puncta adherens and gap junction. Trabecular cells showed apical villons projections and had a high density of various organelles. The trabecular cells were stained intensely with monoclone antibodies to fibronection and laminin and NSE. And it had negative reaction to monocolone antibodies to VIII factor. The cultured cells showed a longer doubling time.

CONCLUSION

The culture of human trabecular cells in vitro was established. This was a key step to dissect the trabecular specimen accurately and carefully. According to the different cellular growth patterns and speed, morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics from that of the near cells, the cultured human trabecular cells can been identified.