Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

HRPEs are initiated by dissecting retinal pigment tissue and digestion with collagenase.  HRPEs  are then separated and purified before cryopreservation. Cells are provided at passage 1. HRPEs growth medium (contains 10% serum and growth supplements, Alpha-33) is recommended for cell culture and these cells have a minimum average population doubling capacity > 15 when cultured following the detailed protocol.

Please be aware, this product requires shipment on dry ice or liquid nitrogen dewer and immediate transfer to liquid nitrogen storage or culture.

The RPE is composed of a single layer of hexagonal cell that are densely packed with pigment granules. At the ora serrata, the RPE continues as a membrane passing over the ciliary body and continuing as the back surface of the iris. This generates the fibers of the dilator.  

Directly beneath this epithelium is the neuroepithelium (i.e., rods and cones) passes jointly with the RPE. Both, combined, are understood to be the ciliary epithelium of the embryo. The front end continuation of the retina is the posterior iris epithelium, which takes on pigment when it enters the iris. When viewed from the outer surface, these cells are smooth and hexagonal in shape. When seen in section, each cell consists of an outer non-pigmented part containing a large oval nucleus and an inner pigmented portion which extends as a series of straight thread-like processes between the rods, this being especially the case when the eye is exposed to light.

Cells are prepared and manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015 certified environment and ISO 5 cleanroom.