STUDIES OF THE BIOREGULATORY ASPECTS OF THE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL CELL

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The retinal pigment epithelial (rpe) cell is a major regulatory cell in the eye. That is, the rpe cell exerts a variety of actions in maintaining retinal integrity and function. In order to more effectively study this cell in vivo and in vitro, we have produced monoclonal antibidies directed against human rpe cells. Using immmunoperoxidase assays (ABC), we have identified two mouse IgG monoclonal antibodies which react with the human rpe cell. The monoclonal antibodies are both specific for the rpe cell within the eye, since they do not react with any other ocular structures. Moreover, these antibodies do not cross react with human skin, kidney or peripheral mononuclear cells. This is the first monoclonal antibody which is directed solely at the human rpe cell. Further characterization and studies with this antibody should prove useful in the identification of rpe cells in situ and in vitro. Moreover, this immunoglobulin will allow us to probe the bioregulatory functions of the cell.