Abstract
Purpose::
To identify and characterize multipotential adult stem cells in human orbital adipocyte depots.
Methods::
Human orbital fat obtained during routine eyelid surgery was used as the source of the stem cells. After isolation of fresh tissue, enzymatic digestion and homogenization was performed to identify an adherent cell fraction. The adherent cells were expanded in culture for 2-3 passages and then assayed for in vitro differentiation potential and expression of cell surface marker proteins by FACS analysis.
Results::
An adherent fraction of cells derived from orbital adipocyte depots yielded cell lines that have potential to differentiate towards the adipocyte and smooth muscle lineages. The CD marker protein expression profile of the lines is similar to that previously identified for subcutaneously derived ASCs (CD11, CD31 and CD45 negative; CD90 and CD105 positive).
Conclusions::
This is the first report demonstrating that human ocular adipocyte depots contain a population of multilineage progenitor cells similar to ASCs derived from other larger subcutaneous adipose depots. These cells may identify a novel source of cells suitable for regeneration or repair of damaged or diseased ocular or orbital tissues.
Keywords: orbit • lipids • eyelid