[Coverslip assisted primary tissue culture for human lens epithelial cells in vitro]

To set up an easy procedure of tissue culture for human lens epithelial cells in vitro and to observe the biological characteristics.

Capsules from embryo of 20 weeks, eye bank of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre and patients with cataract were spread on culture utensil. 10 microL of 10% DMEM medium was added and a piece of coverslip was lay to prevent crimp. Then the capsules were cultured under 37 degrees C after adding enough medium. Capsules from the same source were cultured by traditional tissue culture method. Expressions of 13 crystallin between primary tissue culture cells and SRA01/04 cell line were compared by western blotting.

With coverslip assisted, the cells could be observed proliferated and migrated from the edge of embryo capsule 2 days later, and for capsules from eye bank and age-related cataract patients, the interval time was 3 to 4 days. By traditional tissue culture method, the interval time of embryo capsule was 3 to 4 days, and for capsules from eye bank and age-related cataract patients, the interval time was the same. And capsules floated sometimes.

By coverslip assisted primary tissue culture human lens epithelial cells could grow faster and easier, and the method is worthy to be spread in research of lens diseases.