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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Experimental Models for Study of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Physiology and Pathophysiology
Published on: November 6, 2010
[Culture and identification of fetal human retinal photoreceptors]
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Objective:
To investigate the methods of isolation and culture of fetal human retinal photoreceptors.
Methods:
Fetal human retinal photoreceptors were obtained by enzyme gradation digestion, cultured in media conditioned by retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE-CM), identified by morphologic observation and immunohistochemically stained with rod specific opsin 4D2 (Rho 4D2) antibody. The digested retinal tissues were tested by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.
Results:
Enzyme gradation digestion could obtain relatively pure retinal photoreceptors. These cells were stained positively for Rho 4D2 antibody, and survived in RPE-CM for a long time.
Conclusion:
Fetal human retinal photoreceptors obtained by enzyme gradation digestion can survive in RPE-CM for a long time and express rod specific opsin. This culture system will provide a source for human retinal photoreceptor transplantation and further studies of photoreceptors in vitro.
