Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neurons and retina-like structure in nude mice.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the intraocular growth and biological characteristics of mice embryonic stem cells in nude mice.


METHODS
Murine embryonic stem cells (D3 cell line) were cultured and maintained in an undifferentiated state in vitro, then transplanted into the anterior chamber of nude mice. Mophological and immunohistochemical examinations were implemented.


RESULTS
Two to three days after transplantation, yellow-white floating granules, sheets and masses were seen inside the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity, and enlarged gradually. 14-20 days later, the mice were executed. Morphological examination showed that there were undifferentiated cells and some round or polygonal differentiated cells in anterior chamber and vitreous cavity. The morphology of these differentiated cells were similar to that of the retina. The cells were highly positive in NSE staining.


CONCLUSIONS
The transplanted embryonic stem cells could grow in the eyes of nude mice with tendency to differentiate into neurons and retina-like structure.
Li
Y
Y
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Ge
J
J
Yan
J
J
Zhong
X
X
Guo
Y
Y
Li
S
S
Wu
X
X
Ling
J
J
Feng
G
G
Zhang
J
J
Yi
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000601:surgery; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D014822:Vitreous Body