The Primary Study Of Autologous Retinal Pigment Epithelium And Choroid Transplantation In Rabbits

Background and ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is the represent of the diseases which seriously destroy the center vision. Ophthalmologist try to use drugs,laser coagulation and operations to cure it. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation is one of the methods.In 1983, Gouras first reported the RPE transplantation, later many relative reports published. At the same time, there were many problems existed. Such as how to remain the polarity of RPE cells and how to avoid the immunologic rejection in the process of transplantation? In our study, we choose rabbits as the experimental objects, to establish the animal model and to study the feasibility of autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroid transplantation.Materials and MethodsChosen 20 healthy 3 months old kyan-orchid rabbits with weight of 1.5-2.0kg. Chosen the right eye as the acceptor eye, the left eye as the donor eye. Firstly, enucleated the left eyeball, then performed lensectomy and vitrectomy of the right eye. Secondly, made manufacture of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid graft, then use a 1ml injector to inject some perfusion fluid under the neural retina to make a local retinal detachment. Cut the elevated neural retina and implanted the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid graft to the subretinal space. Air and fluid exchange and silicon oil was done.2 months and 3 months after operation, color photograph of the receptor eye were collected; fluorescein and indocyanine green fundus angiography were performed at the same time.Results2 of the total 20 rabbits suffered retinal detachment. 5 suffered vitreous hemorrhage and proliferative retinopathy. 4 of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid graft rot and dislocated. 1 suffered endophthalmitis. 8 of the 20 rabbits had the normal appearance and choroidal fluorescence.Conclusion1. Autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroid transplantation can establish the animal model in rabbits.2. Fundus photograph , fluorescein and indocyanine green fundus angiography show that the autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroid graft can growth in the receptor eye and have the normal appearance and choroidal fluorescence.