Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the incorporation of adult bone marrow–derived stem cells (BMSC) as a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate retinal laser injury.
Methods: :
Mononucleate cells derived from the bone marrow of GFP mice (BMSC) were injected intravenously and into the vitreous body of syngeneic B6 mice after laser injury to the retina. Laser burns were performed using argon laser. The animals were euthanized at variable times for preparation of flat mount retinas and cryosections, with the contralateral healthy eye serving as a negative control for the laser–induced injury.
Results: :
Following laser injury, GFP positive BMSC were detected in all layer of the retina that underwent laser injury. The cells accumulated preferentially in the scar margins. The GFP–BMSC were not detected in the control eyes. Intravenously infused cells reached the injured retina more efficient than intravitreously–infused cells, indicating superior homing to the lesion area of cells circulating in the peripheral blood. The GFP–BMSC were detected as early as 4 days after injection, and were stably incorporated in the retina after 3 months. Some of the cells showed changes in morphology with an apparent transition from large cells to smaller elongated cells, reminiscent of photoreceptors. Differentiation patterns of these cells are currently under investigation
Conclusions: :
Mononucleate BMSC show specific homing to sites of injury after laser–induced damage, whereas there is no homing to healthy retina. Blood circulating cells reach the lesion more efficiently than cells in the vitreous body. These cells incorporate in all layers of the retina and are retained for long periods of time.
Keywords: retina: distal (photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells) • laser