RESUMO
Among the potential sources of cells for transplantation, the most promising autologous material for cell therapy and tissue engineering are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MMSC). The authors carried out an experiment dealing with MMSC xenotransplantation into the rabbit suprachoidal space on a model of laser retinal coagulation. For objective assessment of the magnitude and pattern of changes in the functional activity of different retinal cellular elements and the efficiency of MMSC transplantation, they performed electroretinographic and histological studies. The study indicated that MMSC transplantation into the suprachoroidal space is a safe and effective procedure for cell incorporation in order to treat retinal diseases. Electroretinography provided evidence that single MMSC transplantation better preserved the function of photoreceptors (a-wave). Histomorphometric studies demonstrated that the inserted cells stimulated reparative processes in the laser-induced damaged retina.