[Development of human fetal neuroretina grafted into nude mice]

To determine the role of different ocular tissues in the development of the human fetal neuroretina heterotopically implanted in nude mice.

Fifty eight eyeballs obtained from legally aborted 6- to 7-week-old embryos or 8- to 10-week-old fetuses were heterotopically implanted in nude mice. Over a period of 1-245 days, all the grafts were removed for light and electron microscopy observations.

All grafts were successful. Twenty six exhibited a normal histological organization of the choriocapillaris, the retinal pigment epithelium, and the neuroretina in the posterior part of the eye. Photoreceptor differentiation was observable approximately 80 days after transplantation and was complete at 166 days. The anterior part of the retina was always dysplasic. Twenty three eyes had a dysplasic neuroretina with folds, rosettes, and necrotized areas. In absence of retinal pigment epithelium, the neuroretina was always dysplasic or absent. Nine eyes were atrophic without any differentiation of the neuroretina.

These results demonstrate that the development of a stratified neuroretina requires both rapid revascularization and normal development of retinal pigment epithelium. When these conditions are not met, the neuroretina becomes dysplasic or atrophic or disappears.