Objective To explore a better method in obtaining iris pigment epithelium(IPE) specimen for autologous transplantation in rabbits． Methods IPE was obtained from 20 black rabbits with method A，i.e.surgical peripheral iridectomy at 12:00 position obtaining a triangle iris tissue with the hemline of 4-5 mm in left eyes，and method B,i.e.surgical peripheral iridectomy at 11:00 and 1:00 positions obtaining two triangle iris tissues with the hemlines of 2-2.5 mm in right eyes . The IP E cells were isolated precisely with enzyme microdissection-enzyme isolation method, cultured in vitro, observed with light and electronic microscope, and ident ified with immunocytochemical staining.ResultsThe success ra te of cells culture were 65% for method A and 95% for method B. After 3-4 generations of culturing，the amount of IPE cells was enough for transplantation, and most of the functions of primary clutured IPE cells were kept still. Viability of IPE cells was 85%-93%. Conclusion The success rate of cells culture for method B is higher than that for method A. The third generation of cultured cells is available for autologous transplantation.(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2003，19：201-268)
Objective To investigate effect of intravitreal injection of FK506 on the survival of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells heter oplastically transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits.Methods The immortalized human RPE cells were genetically labeled by retrovirus vector carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP). A total of 50 μl RPE cells suspension with 4×103 cells/μl which expressed GFP were injected into the subretinal space of both eyes of 18 white rabbits and 10 gray rabbits. The left eyes of all of the rabbits were injected of 5 μl FK506 (5 μg/μl) intravitreally once a week during the first 5 weeks, then once every other week until the 20th week and the right eyes were as the control. The histological sections of heteroplastic RPE cells were observed by epifluorescent microscope.Results GFP-expressing cells could be seen after 1 week, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, and 54 weeks in white rabbits and after 4 , 5, 6, 7, 14, 18, 20, and 26 weeks in gray rabbits. The configuration and integrality of the RPE-GFP cells in the left eyes which had been intravitreally injected of FK506 1-14 weeks after transplantation were better than those in the right eyes without injection. After 18 weeks, the condition of heteroplastic cells with few difference in both eyes in 7 white and 3 gray rabbits were found. After 1-6 weeks, focal and disseminated lymphocytes around the choroidal small vessles of right eyes in 6 white and 3 gray rabbits could be seen while the infiltration of the lymphocytes in the left eyes was much reduced.Conclusion Intravitreal injection of a small amount of FK506 at the first 3 months after transplantation may significantly improve the survival of heteroplastic RPE cells in the subretinal space of rabbits. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2003，19：333-404)
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）