The primary source of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Investigations on FGF secretion in RPE primary cultures are hampered by the rapid run-down of cell vitality after a few passages. Therefore, long-term experiments require an alternative to primary cultures. We detected FGF-1 and FGF-2 in the established human K1034 cell line by immunohistochemistry. In addition, mRNA for both FGFs was found by RT-PCR. By immunohistochemistry, the signal was more pronounced with FGF-2 than with FGF-1. K1034 is capable of expressing both FGF-1 and FGF-2. With respect to these features, this cell line can be used as an alternative to primary cultured human RPE cells.