[The study of ultrastructure of retinal pigment epithelium of transplantation].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the ultrastructure of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for the base of clinical application.


METHODS
Pigmented rabbit RPE was transplanted to the subretinal space of 10 unpigmented rabbits by internal route. The ultrastructure of transplanted RPE cells were observed by electron microscopy.


RESULTS
The transplantation of RPE was successful. It was shown that the transplanted cells had polarity and attached to Bruch's membrane to form basal infoldings, and the relationships between transplanted cells and the host photoreceptors were also seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The internal approach is a practical and useful method for transplantation of RPE. The transplanted RPE can vitalize, perform metabolism and form some normal ultrastructure.
Li
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, The First Military University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510515.
Wu
L
L
Gao
R
R
Wu
D
D
D000818:Animals; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011817:Rabbits