A method for explantation of selected areas of the neural retina

A method of obtaining explants of selected areas of the embryonic neural retina is described. Small plugs of the tissue are sucked into a glass capillary tube connected to a micrometer syringe via flexible tubing. The plugs of tissue are separated into their components (neural retina, pigmented layer, and mesenchyme). Retinal explants so obtained have similar shape and size. Polarity of the explants is easily determined. The procedure is simple, rapid, and precise. The method is suitable for studies of retina based on explanted or transplanted tissue.