The growth of endothelium from human corneal rims in tissue culture

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1984 Oct;25(10):1213-6.

Abstract

The authors report the successful in vitro growth of human corneal endothelium derived from 12 of 31 corneal-scleral rims obtained following corneal transplantation. The average age of donors whose endothelium grew was 17.6 +/- 3.2 years. The average interval between death and culturing was 51.5 +/- 10.1 hr. The cells migrated from the explants within 3-7 days and were characterized by a flattened, polygonal shape with a centrally located nucleus. Cell growth exhibited a doubling time of 72-96 hr in the second and third tissue culture passages. A reduced growth rate was observed by cell lines maintained in vitro for over 6 months. Fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and endothelial cell growth supplement all exerted a positive influence on cell proliferation. Corneal-scleral rims can be a valuable source of endothelial cells for corneal research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cornea / cytology
  • Cornea / growth & development*
  • Corneal Transplantation
  • Culture Media
  • Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Endothelium / cytology
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • Growth Substances / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Donors

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Growth Substances
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Epidermal Growth Factor