An immunocytochemical study of isolated human retinal Müller cells in culture.
We report a modified method for the isolation and propagation of adult human Müller cells in culture. The retina of postmortem human eyes was mechanically dissociated and cultured. Using immunocytochemical techniques, these cells were stained with monoclonal antibodies specific for Müller cells, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, glutamine synthetase (GS) and keratin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also performed. The dissociated and cultured cells expressed vimentin and GS, but not GFAP. At least 85% of these cells stained with a Müller cell-specific monoclonal antibody. Using TEM, flat cells containing 13-nm intermediate filaments and glycogen were identified. Human retinal Müller cells can be isolated and propagated in culture. Purified cell cultures are required for controlled studies of the normal physiology and pathologic responses of Müller cells.