PURPOSE:To investigate the approaches for transplanting retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS,Retinal pigment epithelial eells(RPR)of pigmented rabbits' eyes prepared by rotalne preparation of our institute,were transphmted in 18 unpigmemed rabbits'eyes.Eight eyes were undergone outer approach, i.e., transplanting the RPR cells to the subretinal space of recipient eyes by way of perforating sclera and choroid;while 10 eyes were undergone internal approach by way of the routine procedure of vitrectomy with making artificial localized retinal delachment. Light and transmisskm electrone microscopy examination were done at 10th, goth, 40th and 90th day after the operation. RESULTS: In internal approach group,tbe operated eyes,revealed no difference in thickness of the neural retinal layer in transplanted and non-transplanted area 40 days after operation tinder light microscope. Transmission electrone microscopy revealed postoperatively the transplanted RPE cells attached to the Brucb's membrane and the outer segments of photoreeeplive ceils located at a normal position at the 40th dayland the secondary lysozymes with engulfed outer segment were found in the Iransplamed cells at the 90th day. Tbe outer approached operations in eight eyes were failed owing to ehoroid hemorrhage or perforation of retina. CONCLUSION:The internal appraach procedure is much effebtive and practical for transplantation of RPE cells. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1997,13:160-162)