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ABSTRACT.Purpose: The aim of this work was to culture human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells over human amniotic membrane (hAM). Human AM was studied for its viability as an adequate support for transplantation of an hRPE cell monolayer with preserved cell polarity to the subretinal space. Methods: Human AM was obtained from pregnant women during caesarean section. The hAM was sectioned and the pieces were fixed to culture dishes. Human RPE cells were cultured from adult corneal donors and were seeded over hAM. Phase-contrast photographs were obtained. Selected specimens were processed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Results: The attachment and growth of hRPE cells over hAM was observed. Human RPE cells constituted tight colonies that maintained epithelial phenotype. Using TEM, we identified a monolayer of hRPE cells, with cuboidal to spheroidal morphology. These cells showed integration with the substrate and cellÀcell contacts were detected. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane may be a suitable substrate for hRPE growth. Further studies are required in order to determine the viability of hRPE on hAM in the subretinal space.

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Pigmented fundal lesions are highly pleomorphic and represent the variable expression of a common genetic defect of growth regulation. No association was found between CHRPE characteristics and specific FAP variants.

PurposeTo detect and quantify circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood of patients with uveal melanoma primary non-metastatic tumours, and to analyze the possible relationship between CTCs and clinical risk factors.MethodsProspective study with two clinical groups: 4 patients diagnosed with choroidal nevus and 8 patients with choroidal melanoma prior to treatment. A single sample of 7.5 mL of peripheral blood was taken and the CTCs were isolated using a CellSearch system that captures positive cells for the CD146 antigen (MUC18).ResultsNone of the patients with choroidal nevus showed CTCs in peripheral blood. More than one CTC/7.5 mL was detected in 50 % of patients with choroidal melanoma prior to treatment. The higher level of CTC cells in peripheral blood (3/7.5 mL) was detected in the patient with the larger choroidal melanoma which also presented extrascleral extension and epithelioid pathology.ConclusionPerforming an analysis with the CellSearch system allows to quantify the choroidal melanoma CTCs in peripheral blood. This finding highlights the potential usefulness of this technique to achieve the correct stratification and monitoring of the treatment.