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Fibronectin production by cultured human trabecular meshwork cells
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Human trabecular meshwork cells from eyebank eyes show significant growth potential in culture. These cells secrete fibronectin and laminin, confirming their unique identity for research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The human trabecular meshwork (HTM) is crucial for regulating intraocular pressure.
- Establishing reliable in vitro models of HTM is essential for studying glaucoma and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability and growth characteristics of postmortem human trabecular meshwork explants in cell culture.
- To characterize the cellular behavior and protein secretion of cultured HTM cells.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem human trabecular meshwork explants from 23 eyebank eyes were cultured.
- Cellular growth rate and confluency were monitored.
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure fibronectin secretion.
- Laminin presence was assessed to differentiate from fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- A 32% growth rate was observed, with 8% showing abundant cellular spread.
- 100% confluency was achieved in cultures from donors aged 11-40 years.
- Fibronectin secretion increased over 96 hours with a notable shift-down response.
- Laminin was detected in three of four cultures, indicating non-fibroblast origin.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem human trabecular meshwork explants can be successfully cultured, demonstrating significant growth potential.
- Cultured HTM cells exhibit characteristic fibronectin secretion patterns and express basement membrane proteins like laminin.
- These findings support the use of cultured HTM cells as a valuable model for ocular research.