Isolation and characterization of primary canine lens epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the proliferation and differentiation of primary canine lens epithelial cells (LEC) under standard culture conditions. PROCEDURE: Canine LEC were isolated by mechanical dissection of the canine globe and enzymatic digestion of the lens capsule from fresh lenses. Isolated capsules and cell suspensions were seeded in laminin-coated culture flasks. Canine LEC proliferated and formed monolayers, which could be passaged and maintained for approximately 2 weeks. Cells were characterized morphologically and cell lysates examined for expression of protein markers of epithelial origin and differentiation. RESULTS: Canine LEC exhibit morphologic characteristics of epithelial cells when cultured on laminin/lysine coated flasks. Expression of epithelial cell marker, cytokeratin 5, was highest at passage 1 and diminished with increasing passage number. Expression of gamma-crystallin, a protein found only in differentiated lens fiber cells, increased at passage 6. A laminin/lysine-coated surface supported optimal proliferation of canine LEC. Both an initial seeding density of 1 x 10(5) cells/cm(2) and culture in Dulbecco's modified essential media (DMEM) supplemented with 10% FBS supported a doubling time of less than 48 h in canine LEC. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that primary canine LEC retain the characteristics of lens epithelial cells prior to passage 6 under the described culture conditions and represent a suitable in vitro model for investigating lens physiology and cataractogenesis.