Identification of transplanted retinal pigment epithelium with a novel chromosomal marker.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the ability of a novel chromosomal marker to identify retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after xenotransplantation, and determine the short-term correlation between pigment and this nuclear marker.


METHODS
Primary pigmented RPE harvested from third trimester fetal pigs were transplanted as microaggregates into the subretinal space of 3 albino rabbits. We then used an in situ probe for a repetitive segment of the porcine chromosome to identify the transplanted RPE.


RESULTS
Pigmented cells were visible in the subretinal space 2 weeks after transplantation. Approximately 70% of pigment-containing cells were also labeled with the porcine chromosomal marker. Labeled cells were predominantly flatter in morphology and close to Bruch's membrane whereas unlabeled cells were rounder and further from Bruch's membrane. The outer nuclear layer thickness was normal above the pigmented monolayer but was decreased over areas containing multiple layers of pigmented cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal porcine RPE xenografts can be identified with a nuclear marker for a repetitive segment of the porcine chromosome. The presence of pigment within unlabelled cells suggests that pigment is not a robust marker for transplanted RPE.
Del Priore
Lucian V
LV
Department of Ophthalmology, Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. Idelpriore@yahoo.com
Sheng
Yaohua
Y
Johnson
Eric
E
Jacoby
Douglas
D
Edge
Albert
A
Suzuki
Takehiko
T
Geng
Lee
L
Tezel
Tongalp H
TH
Kaplan
Henry J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D015342:DNA Probes; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005819:Genetic Markers; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000166:cytology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology / Q000601:surgery*; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D015342:DNA Probes; D005819:Genetic Markers; D004247:DNA