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BMC Ophthalmology
Published in: BMC Ophthalmology 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Transplanted embryonic retinal stem cells have the potential to repair the injured retina in mice

Authors: Xia Feng, Peng Chen, Xin Zhao, Jing Wang, Hong Wang

Published in: BMC Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Stem cell transplantation has been reported as one of the promising strategies to treat retinal degenerative diseases. But, the application and the role of retina stem cells (RSCs) in the treatment of patients with retinal degenerative diseases have not been fully revealed. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of transplantation of the embryo-derived RSCs into the vitreous cavity in repairing the damaged retina in mice.

Methods

RSCs were isolated from Kunming mice E17 embryonic retina and ciliary body tissues, and labeled with 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridin (BrdU). Retinal optic nerve crush injury was induced in left eyes in male Kunming mice by ring clamping the optic nerve. The 6th -generation of BrdU-labeled RSCs were transplanted into the damaged retina by the intravitreal injection, and saline injected eyes were used as the control. Hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, and BrdU, Nestin and Pax6 immunostaining were performed. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used for assessing the electrical activity of the retina.

Results

Embryo-derived RSCs were identified by the positive stains of Pax6 and Nestin. BrdU incorporation was detected in the majority of RSCs. The damaged retina showed cellular nuclear disintegration and fragmentation in the retinal tissue which progressed over the periods of clamping time, and decreased amplitudes of a and b waves in ERG. In the damaged retina with RSCs transplantation, the positive staining for BrdU, Pax6 and Nestin were revealed on the retinal surface. Notably, RSCs migrated into the retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear. Transplanted RSCs significantly elevated the amplitudes of a waves in retina injured eyes.

Conclusions

Embryonic RSCs have similar characteristics to neural stem cells. Transplantation of RSCs by intravitreal injection would be able to repair the damaged retina.
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Metadata
Title
Transplanted embryonic retinal stem cells have the potential to repair the injured retina in mice
Authors
Xia Feng
Peng Chen
Xin Zhao
Jing Wang
Hong Wang
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2415
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-020-01795-1

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