ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in the microenvironment of retinitis pigmentosa(RP) induced by the administration of sodium iodate. METHODS: In vitro cultured Lewis rat MSC were injected into the subretinal space of NaIO3 induced RP rat eyes (30g/L NaIO3 100mg/kg). To observe the trace and differentiation of MSC by immuno-fluorescent method successively in 5 weeks after the surgery.RESULTS: The majority of the transplanted cells stay in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) layer and cones and rods layer. From the 2nd week after transplantation, the engrafted MSC expressed PCK and rhodopsin under fluorescent microscope.CONCLUSION: MSC can survive mainly in the outer layer of retina in the microenvironment of RP and differentiate forward the RPE cell and photoreceptor.
ABSTRACT
The migration of photoreceptors into the subretinal space has been reported to occur in developing and aged rat retina, in aged human retina, in detached owl monkey, and in detached cat retina. Subretinal photoreceptor cells have been observed in aphakic-vitrectomized rabbit eyes with or without intravitreal saline or antibiotic injection. Variety of photoreceptor cell nuclei can be distinguished. The nuclei of photoreceptor cells change their shape so as to pass easily through the juncition and thereafter they returned to their original shape in sub retinal space. The mechanisms and biological significance of this phenomenon are not yet certain, but it may by one of the important factors contributing to decreased vision with aging.