Optimization of Storage Temperature for Cultured ARPE-19 Cells

Figure 5

Photomicrographs of control cells and cells stored for seven days at 4°C, 8°C, 12°C, 16°C, 20°C, 24°C, 28°C, 32°C, and 37°C were captured by a scanning electron microscope. An epithelial cobblestone morphology can be seen in the control ((a), (b)), and this was best maintained after storage at 12°C, 16°C, and 20°C ((g)–(l)). The cells demonstrate apoptotic morphological alterations like shrinkage and membrane blebbing after storage at temperatures below 12°C ((c)–(f)) and above 20°C ((m)–(t)). Images are representative of three independent samples. Scale bars: 100 𝜇m (black), 20 𝜇m (white). Black arrowheads: shrinkage and membrane blebbing. White arrowheads: microcracks representing artifacts due to sample preparation.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)

(m)

(n)

(o)

(p)

(q)

(r)

(s)

(t)