Embryonic stem cells transplant into subretinal space of C3B mouse

AIM:To study the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) at the subretinal space of C3B mouse whose retina are of normal structure. METHODS:Embryonic bodies (EB) were gained when embryonic stem cells were propagated 1 generation after anabiosis. The digested EB were transplanted into subretinal space of C3B mouse. The eyes were analysed by photo microscopy, electric microscopy and immune assay at 1st week, 3rd week and 2nd month after injection. RESULTS:The thickened retina appeared on the place of injection at 1st week. Teratoma formation was observed in 3 transplant recipients at 3rd week and 2nd month. The ratio of forming tumor was 25% in all eyes received cell transplant. Eye atrophy or scar at injection position was seen in other eyes. The nucleus of tumour cells had apparent strange type under electrical microscopy. The immune assay showed that part of the tumour were microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) positive;part of the tumour were glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) positive;a little cells were nestin positive. CONCLUSION:After transplantation into the subretinal space, ESC were not incorporated into retina or differentiated into retinal cells. The teratoma was formed in part of eyes. The security of application for ESC in eye was considerable.