Spontaneously arising cell line of rat pigment epithelial cells (RPE) named BPEI-1 with RPE-specific features.The pigmented layer of retina or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of pigmented cells situated between the neuroretina and the choroids. There are a few main functions of the RPE, including transport of nutrients, absorption of light, phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor membranes, and secretion of essential factors for the structural integrity of the retina. Research has shown that the RPE is where macular degeneration begins.大鼠色素上皮细胞(RPE)自发产生细胞系BPEI-1,具有RPE特异性。视网膜色素层或视网膜色素上皮(RPE)是位于视网膜神经和脉络膜之间的一层色素细胞。RPE有几个主要的功能,包括营养物质的运输、光的吸收、脱落光感受器膜的吞噬以及视网膜结构完整性的基本因子的分泌。研究表明RPE是黄斑变性开始的地方。