SCIENTIFIC REPORT

A novel method for preserving cultured limbal epithelial cells

Tor Paaske Utheim¹, Sten Raeder¹, Øygunn Aass Utheim¹, Yiqing Cai², Borghild Roald³, Liv Drolsum¹, Torstein Lyberg⁴ and Bjørn Nicolaissen¹

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Eye Research, University of Oslo, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
² Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
³ Department of Pathology, Ullevål University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
⁴ Centre for Clinical Research, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
MrS Raeder
Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Eye Research, University of Oslo, Ullevål University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, 0407 Oslo, Norway; sten.rader{at}medisin.uio.no

Aim: To investigate organ culture preservation of cultured limbal epithelial cells in order to enhance the availability of tissue-engineered epithelia that are used to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency.

Methods: Limbal epithelial cells were cultured for 3 weeks on intact amniotic membrane fastened to a polyester membrane carrier. The cultured epithelia were stored for 1 week at 23°C in organ culture medium. The preserved epithelia were then examined using a colorimetric cell viability assay, light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Results: The viability of the preserved epithelia was 84% (20%), and no statistically significant difference was found compared with non-preserved epithelia. In general, the cell borders were maintained, the nuclei showed no sign of degeneration, and the original layered structure was preserved. Mild intercellular oedema was occasionally observed. Expression of p63, K19 and vimentin was maintained.

Conclusions: Cultured limbal epithelial cells can be preserved in organ culture medium for 1 week at room temperature, while maintaining the original layered structure and undifferentiated phenotype.

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• Utheim, T P, Raeder, S, Utheim, O A, de la Paz, M, Roald, B, Lyberg, T (2009). Sterility control and long-term eye-bank storage of cultured human limbal epithelial cells for transplantation. Br. J. Ophthalmol. 93: 980-983 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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