INTRODUCTION: Human limbal epithelial cells (huLEC) have been used for clinical purposes in ocular surface diseases to promote rapid re-epithelisation and restore corneal epithelium integrity. However, in Mexico this technique has not been fully developed. This study was conducted to characterize the huLEC phenotype expanded in vitro using a cell culture technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells were obtained from limbal tissue, cultured in KSFM medium and analyzed for the expression of vimentin, K, K19, p63, K12, by flow cytometry and immuno-fluorescence. RESULTS: The phenotype of cultured cells was vimentin+K+K19+ p63+K12-. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that under these culture conditions huLEC maintained their stem cell phenotype. This culture technique could be used for clinical purposes in Mexico.
INTRODUCTION:Human limbal epithelial cells (huLEC) have been used for clinical purposes in ocular surface diseases to promote rapid re-epithelisation and restore corneal epithelium integrity. However, in Mexico this technique has not been fully developed. This study was conducted to characterize the huLEC phenotype expanded in vitro using a cell culture technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells were obtained from limbal tissue, cultured in KSFM medium and analyzed for the expression of vimentin, K, K19, p63, K12, by flow cytometry and immuno-fluorescence. RESULTS: The phenotype of cultured cells was vimentin+K+K19+ p63+K12-. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that under these culture conditions huLEC maintained their stem cell phenotype. This culture technique could be used for clinical purposes in Mexico.