Morphology and proliferation of human corneal epithelium in organ culture

Organ cultures of central and peripheral human corneal epithelium were maintained for 1 and 2 weeks in Hams F10 medium supplemented with 20% foetal bovine serum, and in medium conditioned by conjunctival epithelial cells. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed no obvious differences in morphology and survival between central and peripheral explants, or between explants cultured in conditioned and non-conditioned medium. Live cells and areas with confluent growth were seen in all types of explants. The results demonstrate that differences between growth of central and peripheral corneal epithelium in vitro do not necessarily reflect different proliferative potential in vivo. The previously reported lack of survival of central corneal epithelium in culture may reflect an insufficient in vitro system.