[Subretinal transplantation of retinal cells by outer approach]

To investigate the approaches and effect of pure retinal photoreceptor cells and mixed retinal cells subretinal transplantation on retinal degenerative diseases.

16 Kunming mice were divided into two groups: group A and group B (n = 8). Through sclera and choroid, mixed retinal cells were injected into the subretinal space of mice eyes of group A and pure retinal photoreceptors were injected into the subretinal space of mice eyes of group B by using a specific micro-syringe under operative microscopy. 30, 90 and 180 d after transplantation, experimental eyes were enucleated, stained with HE and analyzed by light microscopy.

Most transplants (13/15) were exactly in host subretinal space without the infiltration of inflammatory cells and interfere of retina. The infiltration of inflammatory cells and damage of retina were only found in few eyes (2/15). The transplanted retinal cells survived well at 180 days after transplantation. The mixed retinal cells all formed rosette, but the pure retinal photoreceptors formed an orderly layer of photoreceptors.

This specific technique of subretinal microinjection is an easy, safe and optimal technique to meet the need of subretinal drug administration and retinal cells transplantation for retinal degenerative diseases. It is easier for the transplanted pure retinal photoreceptor cells to establish functional connection with host cells through subretinal microinjection.