AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ISOLATED HUMAN RETINAL MULLER CELLS INCULTURE

Background: We report a modified method for the isolation and propagat ion of adult human Muller cells in culture. Methods: The retina of pos tmortem human eves was mechanically dissociated and cultured. Using im munocytochemical techniques, these cells were stained with monoclonal antibodies specific for Muller cells, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, glutamine synthetase (GS) and keratin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also performed. Results: The dissociated and cultured cells expressed vimentin and GS, but not GFAP. At least 85% of these cells stained with a Muller cell-specific monoclonal anti body. Using TEM, flat cells containing 13-nm intermediate filaments an d glycogen were identified. Conclusion: Human retinal Muller cells can be isolated and propagated in culture. Purified cell cultures are req uired for controlled studies of the normal physiology and pathologic r esponses of Muller cells.