Purpose:To evaluate the function of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in cultured cells of retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cells from porcine eyes.
Methods:The cultured RPE cells were previously stained by a fluorescent probe 5, 6-carboxy fluorescein diacetate (CFDA) ,and then photobleach the fluorescent molecule in chosed cells. Using laser scanning confocal
microscope (LSCM)to observe fluorescence recovery rate of the RPE cells which located in different condition. The function of gap junction communication was evaluated according to the fluorescence recovery
rate.
Results:The fluorescence recovered after photobleached and the fluorescent density of cells which touching to them descend. The recovery rate per minnte of the cells which the cell number it adjacent to was 1,2 and 3 respectively was 1. 997plusmn;0. 665, 4. 378plusmn;0. 811 and 8. 736plusmn;2. 084. Conclusion:The cultured porcine RPE cells have the function of gap junction communication,and its function proportion is associate to its adjoining cells number.
（Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1996,12: 41-42）
