Abstract
Purpose: :
To observe the differentiation potential of SD rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which were subretinally transplanted into laser–injured retina in vivo without differentiation inducements in vitro.
Methods: :
SD rat MSCs were cultivated in vitro to passage 3 and were injected into the sub–retina space of laser–injured rat retina with Bromo–Deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling to trace the origin of the repopulating cells. After 4 weeks, eyeballs were enucleated for continuous paraffin slides. The expressions of Nestin, NeuN, GFAP, Vimentin, Rhodopsin were detected by immunofluorescence.
Results: :
BrdU–positive MSCs were present in mutiple locations, including photoreceptor layer, the bipolar layers and the ganglion cell layer. These cells expressed Nestin, NeuN, GFAP, Vimentin, and Rhodopsin.
Conclusions: :
For SD rats, transplanted MSCs in injured retina can be integrated into the host retina and partially differentiate into nerve cells and photoreceptors in vivo.
Keywords: retina • differentiation • cell survival