Transplantation of Syngeneic Schwann Cells to the Retina of the Rhodopsin Knockout (Rho-/-) Mouse

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine whether Schwann cells can prolong the survival of photoreceptors in the rhodopsin knockout (Rho-/-) mouse. Methods: Schwann cells were prepared from P5-7 pups and grafted subretinally into the eyes of 5 week-old rhodopsin knockout mice. Rt-PCR was performed on similarly prepared cells to determine presence of growth factor messenger RNA in vitro. Animals were perfused at 10 weeks of age for anatomical and statistical analysis. Results: Rt-PCR demonstrated the presence of mRNA for Ciliary Neurotrophic factor (CNTF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the cultured Schwann cells. Schwann cell grafts produced a statistically significant rescue of photoreceptors in a restricted area of retina at five weeks post-operative, but the effect was lost by 20 weeks. Short inner segments (mostly cone) could be identified but outer segments were never present. Sham-surgery also resulted in some photoreceptor rescue but at a reduced level. Schwann cell grafts and sham surgery induced a reactive Müller glial response. Conclusion: Schwann cells can prolong photoreceptor survival in the rhodopsin knockout mouse for a limited period of time.

Keywords: 554 retina • 423 growth factors/growth factor receptors • 607 transplantation