[Cellular characteristics of cultured non-pigmented ciliary epithelium from adult pigs].

PURPOSE: To compare the reactive proliferation of non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells in patients with cyclitis, or after cyclophotocoagulation and cyclocryocoagulation, and the cultured non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells from adult pigs.

METHODS

Porcine ciliary epithelial cells were cultured and non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells were isolated. Detection of DNA synthesis, morphological observation by a phase contrast microscope and a transmission electron microscope, and staining of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase were carried out.

RESULTS

The cells proliferated without showing contact inhibition of growth or reconstitution of epithelial morphology. With a decrease of proliferative activity, the cultured cells expressed senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. Although DNA synthesis persisted for a long time, some cells in later culture periods showed morphologically abnormal nuclei or plural nuclei indicating dysfunction of cell division, or apoptotic features.

CONCLUSION

The uncontrolled growth and loss of the epithelial nature of non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells in vitro resembles the process of formation of cyclitic membrane and proliferation of ciliary epithelium after cyclophotocoagulation and cyclocryocoagulation in patients. Observatin of the behavior of cultured non-pigment epithelial cells could aid in understanding the mechanism of cyclitic membrane formation.