Purpose: To set up an easy procedure of tissue culture for human lens epithelial cells in vitro and to observe the biological characteristics.
Methods: Capsules from embryo of 20 weeks, eye bank of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre and patients with cataract were spread on culture utensil. 10 μ L of 10% DMEM medium was added and a piece of coverslip was lay to prevent crimp. Then the capsules were cultured under 37℃after adding enough medium. Capsules from the same source were cultured by traditional tissue culture method. Expressions of β crystallin between primary tissue culture cells and SRA01/04 cell line were compared by western blotting.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.
