Abstract
Purpose: :
The incorporation and differentiation of hASCs (human adipose derived stem cells) injecting into the damaged retina of athymic nude mice was evaluated in this study
Methods: :
hASCs were isolated and cultured for grafting. Retinotomy (n=5) and photocoagulation (n=5) was performed to the retina of the nude mice. Before injection, hASCs were labeled with green fluorescence. Guided by an operating microscope, hASCs (2 x 105/1.5µl) were injected into the vitreous through pars plana. Three weeks after injection, the mice were sacrificed. The retina specimens were stained with anti-GFAP, antirhodopsin, anticalbindin, and antivimentin antibodies.
Results: :
Grafted cells expressing green fluorescence were observed in the whole-mount retina and cryosection. Transplanted hASCs were present along the ILM or integrated into the nerve fiber layer, retinal ganglion layer, inner or outer nuclear layer, and subretinal layer on the transverse section. Some of the injected cells expressed GFAP, calbindin, vimentin, or rhodopsin indicating that they were incorporated hASCs which had differentiated into the retinal cells.
Conclusions: :
Intravitreous injection of hASCs in the athymic nude mice induces hASCs integration and differentiation in the damaged retina.
Keywords: transplantation • differentiation • retina