Description

The conjunctival epithelium is a stratified, non-keratinized epithelium. It can be distinguished by the corneal epithelium by the expression of different cytokeratins, mucins and by the presence of glycocalix [1]. Decrease or loss of mucin/glycocalix production generates squamous metaplasia, which may lead to dry eye and ocular surface diseases [2]. Human conjunctival epithelial cells represent potential target cells for mast cell mediators. They respond to histamine by generating inositol phosphates, mobilizing intracellular calcium, and then secreting proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 [3].

HConEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human conjunctiva. HConEC are cryopreserved from passage one culture. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HConEC are characterized by their cobble stone morphology in serum-free culture and immunofluorescent method with antibody to CK-18 and -19. HConEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HConEC are guaranteed to further expand for 10 population doublings at the condition provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Corneal Epithelial Cell Medium (CEpiCM, Cat. No. 6511) for the culturing of HConEC in vitro.

Product Use

HConEC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage

Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture needed for experiments.

Shipping

Dry ice.

Reference

[1]. Meller D., Pires R. T. and Tseng S. C. (2002) Ex vivo preservation and expansion of human limbal epithelial stem cells on amniotic membrane cultures. Br.J.Ophthalmol. 86:463-471.
[2]. Paladino G., Marino C., La Terra Mule s., Civiale C., Rusciano D. and Enea V (2004) Cytokeratin expression in primary epithelial cell culture from bovine conjunctiva. Tissue Cell 36:323-332.
[3]. John M. Yanni, Lori K. Weimer, Najam A. Sharif, Shou X. Xu, Daniel A. Gamache, Joan M. Spellman, (1999) Inhibition of Histamine-Induced Human Conjunctival Epithelial Cell Responses by Ocular. Allergy Drugs. Arch Ophthalmol. 117:643-647.