We have investigated the contractile properties of human and bovine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture. In collagen gels, RPE cells sent out processes which were able to retract the gels. In a glycerinated model of contraction, RPE cells contracted and aggregated into clusters in response to the addition of ATP to the media. This contraction was very likely mediated by contractile proteins which are arranged in circumferential microfilament bundles in RPE cells. SDS-PAGE analysis of the RPE cell cytoskeletal elements showed protein bands of 200 kD and 43 kD, probably heavy-chain myosin and actin, respectively; in human RPE, cells bands of 58 kD and 52 kd, representing intermediate filament subunits, were evident; in bovine cells the 58-kD band was observed.

Keywords:
Retinal pigment epithelial cells, human and bovine, Contraction, Actin
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.