Phagocytosis by retinal pigment epithelium: evaluation of modulating agents with an organ culture model.

Several drugs known to modulate the phagocytic activity of "professional" phagocytes were examined for effects on the bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The test system employed was an organ culture model (the RPE cup) developed previously. Iodoacetate depressed the ability of the RPE to phagocytose latex particles labelled with iodine 125, as measured by the gamma-emissions from the RPE cup.

Enhancement and inhibition of phagocytic activity in the retinal pigment epithelium.

The phagocytic activity of the pigmented epithelium of the bovine retina was studied with an organ culture model. Latex particles coated with immunoglobulin, or bovine rod outer segments, both labelled with radioactive iodine, were the objects to be phagocytosed. Various agents were tested with this model for their effects on phagocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium.