A new model of retinal pigment epithelium transplantation with microspheres.

Objectives: To develop a 3-dimensional carrier system for subretinal transplantation of human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (HFRPE) cells and to assess their growth pattern in the rabbit subretinal space.

Methods: After a standard 3-port vitrectomy, HFRPE cells grown as microspheres on cross-linked fibrinogen were introduced into the subretinal space of rabbits. The eyes were studied at 7, 14, and 30 days after surgery by ophthalmoscopy and light microscopy.

Cellular response in rabbit eyes after human fetal RPE cell transplantation.

Background: This study was carried out to study inflammatory and proliferative cellular responses in the rabbit eye after subretinal transplantation of human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (HFRPE) cells.

Methods: 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled HFRPE cells were injected subretinally into rabbit eyes at three different concentrations. Macrophage, glial, and proliferative responses of the eye tissues were studied by immunohistochemistry and light microscopy at different times after the surgery.

Growth of human fetal retinal pigment epithelium as microspheres.

Background: The aim was to develop a three-dimensional cell culture system for human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (HFRPE) cells for in vitro cellular studies and for possible application in subretinal transplantation.

Methods: Pieces of freshly isolated HFRPE monolayer tissue were grown on crosslinked fibrinogen (CLF) films. The growth pattern and morphologic characteristics of the implanted tissue were studied using phase-contrast microscopy, photography, and light and electron microscopy.

Minoxidil-induced alteration of corneal topography after radial keratotomy.

Purpose: To determine the antiproliferative effect of minoxidil on human corneal epithelium (hCE) proliferation in vitro and to assess whether topical minoxidil can significantly alter corneal topography after radial keratotomy (RK) by inhibiting myofibroblast activity in the keratotomy wound.

Setting: Corneal Research Laboratory, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Methods: In the in vitro evaluation, proliferating hCE was exposed to minoxidil (0.