Defective ingestion of rod outer segments by cultured dystrophic rat pigment epithelial cells.

摘要: A new procedure for assaying the phagocytosis of rod outer segments (ROS) by cultured rat pigment epithelial (PE) cells has been developed. Using an ROS antiserum and a double immunofluorescent labeling procedure, attached to external surfaces these can be distinguished from those that have already ingested. We used this study PE isolated normal rats with inherited retinal dystrophy (RCS rats). With approach we able show attachment dystrophic does take place extent. However, only small number bound are subsequently ingested, demonstrating ingestion phase is defective. After 4-hr incubation during which continuously present, ingest about 80% cell surfaces. In contrast, after time period, less than 20% These results, as well results pulse-chase experiments in rinsed away two hours continued without further addition ROS, demonstrated rapidly most whereas no such rapid ingestion. Both types, however, slowly additional time.