Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the effect of artificially damaged Bruch's membrane on growth and differentiation of embryonic retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells transplanted into subretinal space. Methods. Embryonic RPE cells obtained from pigmented rabbits as a donor were transplanted into the subretinal space of adult albino rabbits as a host. The host RPE was removed with silicone cannula and the Bruch's membrane, was damaged with a microhooked 27-gauge needle under the detached retina in closed vitrectomy. The transplantation sites were examined by light and electron microscopy at 3, 7, and 14 days after the surgery. Results. Transplanted RPE cells were attached to the moderately damaged areas of Bruch's membrane and showed good polarity as apical microvilli and basal infoIdings as well as the formation of tight junctions with host RPE cells 3 days after the surgery. In contrast, fibroblastlike cells with little evidence of their differentiation into RPE cells layered on the extremely damaged areas of Bruch's membrane even at 14 days after the surgery. Conclusion. Embryonic RPE cells could grow and differentiate on the moderately damaged Bruch's membrane, while the extremely damaged Bruch's membrane did not allow them to differentiate although they could grow and cover the damaged areas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S334 |
| Journal | Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1 1997 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology
- Sensory Systems
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience