OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of dexamethasone to intracellular free Ca2+ of frozen RPE cells. METHODS:The cultured human RPE cells were frozen for 30s at --70deg;C. The RPE cells were loaded with Fura-2/AM and analyzed using a digital imaging microscopy system,the effect of dexamethasone to intracellular free Ca2+ was measured at a serial concentration of 40, 60,100,150,200mu;g/ml. RESULTS:The concentration of intracellular free Ca in frozen human RPE cells was increased to 18.6%~29.8% by dexamethasone at concenlration of 40mu;g/ml~60mu;g/ml,while was decreased to 28.4%~35.2% at 150mu;g/ml~200mu;g/ml. CONCLUSIONS:Effect of dexamethasone showed two aspects of effect to frozen cultured human RPE ceils,that it was inhibitor at high concentration and stimulator at low concentration （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1997,13: 86-88）
Objective To examine the influence of retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) cells on antigen-specific activatedlymphocytes in vitro,and to explore the role of RPE cells in the immune privilege of the eye. Methods Co-culture systems of RPE cells with antigen-specific T lymphocyte lines and resting T lymphocytes were established in vitro．Induction of apoptosis was detected by genomic DNA electrophoresis,DNA in situ end-labelling and flow cytometry. Results RPE cells induced apoptosis in antigen-specific activated T lymphocytes. 24 hours after culture,the signs of apoptosis appeared in lymphocytes co-incubated with RPE cells．As time of co-culture went on,the number of apoptosic cells increased．Quantitative analysis of apoptosic cells showed that apoptosic cells accounted for 5.95% after 24 hours, 9.38% after 48 hours,and 17.95% after 72 hours．In contrast,RPE cells induced few apoptosis in resting T lymphocytes. Conclusions These results suggest that RPE cells possess the ability to induce the apoptosis of invading lymphocytes. This phenomenon serves as a restrain mechanism of immune response and may be of vital importance in the maintenance of immune privilege in posterior segment of eye and in the protection of eye from the damage of immunogenic inflammation. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 1999, 15: 241-244)
Objective To explore the expression and activation of transcription factor E2F1 in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Methods Cultured human RPE cells were divided into two groups after synchronization: one was cultured in Dulbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) without serum; the other was cultured in DMEM supplemented with 20% serum of newborn calf. The expressions of E2F1 protein in two groups were detected by Western blot analysis. The E2F1-DNA binding activities were measured by gel mobility-shift assay(EMSA). Results E2F1 protein of 60 000 molecular weight was detected in the nuclear extract of human RPE cells, and serum stimulation could increase its expression（P＜0.001）. EMSA exhibited the increased binding activity of E2F1 in the serum-stimulated RPE cells with DNA. Conclusions E2F1 is expressed in the nuclei of human RPE cells. Serum stimulation can increase its protein expression as well as binding activity, so as to play a regulation role of gene transcription. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 224-226)
Objective To investigate the effects of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium cells(RPE). Methods Cultured human RPE cells of the 4-6 th passages were divided into two groups: Delbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) and 2%DMEM (20 g/L foeta calf serum+DMEM). PDGF (0,1,50 ng/ml) was added to medium.The expression of α-SMA was detected and quantitatively analyzed by image process of immunofluorescence.Results PDGF stimulated the expression of α-SMA of human RPE cells.In group of DMEM, The rate of RPE of α-SMA expression was 40%-50% and the intension of fluorescence was 8.08 without PDGF. After stimulated by PDGF(1 ng/ml,50 ng/ml), the rates were 80% and 90% respectively, and the intension of fluorescence were 12.35 and 17.23. In 2%DMEM group, The rates of RPE of α-SMA expression were 85% without PDGF, and 95% ,100% respectively treated with PDGF (1 ng/ml,50 ng/ml). The intension of fluorescence was 14.79 without PDGF, and after stimulated by PDGF, they were 16.28 at 1 ng/ml and 21.36 at 50 ng/ml，which was 2 .7 times ber than that in DMEM group without PDGF. Conclusion PDGF could stimulate RPE cells to express α-SMA. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2003，19：201-268)
Purpose:To evaluate the function of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in cultured cells of retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cells from porcine eyes. Methods:The cultured RPE cells were previously stained by a fluorescent probe 5, 6-carboxy fluorescein diacetate (CFDA) ,and then photobleach the fluorescent molecule in chosed cells. Using laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM)to observe fluorescence recovery rate of the RPE cells which located in different condition. The function of gap junction communication was evaluated according to the fluorescence recovery rate. Results:The fluorescence recovered after photobleached and the fluorescent density of cells which touching to them descend. The recovery rate per minnte of the cells which the cell number it adjacent to was 1,2 and 3 respectively was 1. 997plusmn;0. 665, 4. 378plusmn;0. 811 and 8. 736plusmn;2. 084. Conclusion:The cultured porcine RPE cells have the function of gap junction communication,and its function proportion is associate to its adjoining cells number. （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1996,12: 41-42）
Objective To observe the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence （AF） distribution at the posterior pole in normal subjects. Methods Seventy-nine normal subjects （156 eyes）were studied. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) HRA2 was used to obtain the AF average image at the posterior pole. The distance was calibrated by Digimizer image analysis system. With umbo as the center, the macula was divided into foveola, fovea, parafovea and perifovea areas which with the radius 175, 750, 1250 and 2750 mu;m respectively. Each area was further divided into inferior, superior, temporal and nasal quadrants by two radial lines angle of 90deg;, except for foveola. The AF intensity in four quadrants of different macular regions and optic disc were measured. The AF intensity in vertical and horizontal direction of umbo was also measured. Then the effects of age, eyes, and gender on AF intensity in four quadrants of different macular regions were analyzed. Results There were statistically significant differences in AF intensity among optic disc and four quadrants of macular regions （F=528.648, P＜0.05）. AF distribution was V-type in vertical direction and M-type in horizontal direction. There were statistically significant differences between age groups in foveola, inferior parafovea, temporal parafovea, inferior perifovea, superior perifovea and temporal perifovea （P＜0.01）. There were no statistically significant differences between the two eyes （P＞0.05）. Between genders group, there were statistically significant differences in foveola, superior fovea, inferior fovea, nasal fovea and temporal perifovea （P＜0.05）; no statistically significant differences in the other quadrants （P＞0.05）. Conclusions The distribution of AF intensity is inhomogeneous in macular regions and four quadrants of each region in normal subjects. AF intensity increases with aging. AF distribution is symmetrical in both eyes. There is probably no correlation between gender and AF intensity distribution.
Objective To investigate the inhibitive effect of E2F decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (E2F decoy ODNs) on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cells.Methods E2F decoy ODNs or scramble decoy ODNs at varied concentrations were put into the HRPE cells mediated by lipofectamineTM2000. The proliferative activity of HRPE was detected by methythiazolyl-terazollium assay, and the competitive combinative activity of E2F decoy ODNs and transcription factor E2F was detected by electrophoresis mobility-shift assay. Results The proliferation of HRPE was inhibited markedly by E2F decoy ODNs at the concentration of 0.2 μmol/L (P=0.002) in a dose-dependent manner but not by scrambled decoy. The results of electrophoresis mobility-shift assay showed that the combinative activity of transcription factor E2F was abolished completely by E2F decoy ODNs. Conclusions E2F decoy ODNs may sequence-specifically inhibit the combinative activity of transcripti on factor E2F,and inhibit the proliferation of HRPE cells.(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：182-185)
Objective To investigate the effects of genistein with different concentration on proliferation and apoptosis of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro. Methods The effect of genistein with the concentration of 5，10，25，50，75，and 100 mg·L-1on the proliferation of cultured RPE was examined by tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay and AgNORs staining. The cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) methods, in the mean time, the morphologic changes of cell apoptosis were observed by light microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy, the results of which were compared with the normal RPE cells. Results Genistein with the concentration of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg·L-1had a dose-dependent and time-dependent antiproliferative effects on RPE cells with the inhibitory rate of 12.0%-64.6% (P＜0.05). The results of AgNORs staining showed that the number of AgNORs in the nucleolus decreased when treated by genistein. In TUNEL staining, the median of percent of apoptotic RPE cells was 7.6%, 9.8%, 13.7% when treated with 50 mg·L-1genistein, 10.3%, 16.4%, 23.4% when treated with 75 mg·L-1genistein, and 15.4%, 21.2%, 35.8% when treated with 100 m g·L-1genistein respectively for 24, 48, and 72 hours. After the treatme nt with 50 mg·L-1genistein for 48 hours, the apoptosis in the nucleolus of RPE cells was found. Conclusions Genistein with different concentrations has a dose-dependent and time-dependent antiproliferative effect on RPE cells. Genistein can induce the apoptosis of RPE cells when it reaches a certain extent of concentration. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：241-244)
Purpose To investigate retinoic acid (RA) induced apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods 10-5、10-6、10-7 mol/L were added to cultured PRE cells.Aridine orange fluorescence and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling(TUNEL) techniques were used to observe apoptotic changes. Resultss 10-5、10-6、10-7 mol/L RA induced apoptosis in RPE cells.Cell shringkage,chromatin condensation and nuclear DNA fragmentation of RPE cells were observed by TUNEL technique.When 10-7、10-6、10-5mol/L RA treated RPE cells for 5 days,apoptotic index(AI)was 36.9%、4409% and 61.4% respectively,and 48.0%、59.9%、74.2% for 6 days.At the same concentration of RA,AI increased when time prolonged．At the same day,AI increased when the concentration of RA rose.There was significant difference in the results(Plt;0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that RA-induced apoptosis in RPE cells was detected with a good dose and time response. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:153-155)
Porpose To investigate the optimal concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on DNA synthesis and their synergism indensity arrested human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods Growth factor effects in cultured human RPE of the 6th generation were assessed by [3 H]-thymidine incorporation and radioautography. Results EGF and bFGF were potent stimulators when used alone,and their optimal concentrations were 10ng/ml in DMEM and 1ng/ml in 2% serum DMEM.When used in combination (10ng/ml EGF and 10ng/ml bFGF),they caused a significant enhancement of [3 H]-thymidine incorporation about 2.96 times. Conclusion EGF and bFGF were potent stimulators in RPE cells,and demonstrated synergism in their action. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:98-100)