AIM: To investigate the intraocular growth characteristics of mice embryonic stem (ES) cells in nude mice.METHODS: Murine embryonic stem cells (D3 cell lines) were cultured and maintained in an undifferentiated state in vitro, then transplanted into the eyes of nude mice. In 6-45 d, the nude mice were executed for Morphological and immunohistochemical examinations.RESULTS: ES cells were developed into masses which enlarged gradually in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity. Morphological examination showed different component: cysts, sheets and cords of medullary epithelium and rosettes in the eyes of the nude mice. Most of cells were highly stained by NSE, and some cells were moderately stained by GFAP.CONCLUSION: The embryonic stem cells(D3 cell lines) could differentiated into medulloepithelioma-like tissue in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity of the Balb/c nude mice.

AIM: To investigate the effect of ischemia induced by central retinal artery occlusion on retinal microstructure of macula using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Fourteen eyes of 14 patients with unilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in two to three days without fully recovery of retinal circulation underwent OCT examination with 4.5 mm length horizontal and vertical line scans through foveola to measure the retinal neurosensory layer (RNL) thickness on foveola, 175 ?m (fovea), 750 ?m (macula) to foveola, respectively. The other normal eyes of patients as control group underwent the same examination and measurement. RESULTS: The mean RNL thickness(?m) on foveola, fovea, macula were 169 91?10 96, 176 36?11 74 and 256 45?16 95 respectively in normal control eyes, and 235 64?47 02 , 241 84?49 36 and 401 57?54 53 respectively in CRAO eyes with retinal ischemia. There was a significant difference in thickness between two group ( P

OBJECTIVETo investigate endostatin gene therapy of rat corneal neovascularization induced by acid cauterization.

METHODSpBlast-hEndostatin and pBlast-Mcs were identified by digestion with Nhe Iand Sal I, by PCR reaction, by sequence, and then by alignment of PCR products with the gene Bank using NCBIBLAST software. They were then purified with QIAGEN Endofree plasmid maxi kit. Rat corneal neovascularization models were made with 75% AgNO(3) and 25% KNO(3) cauterization. The treatment method was subconjunctive injection of the pBlast-hEndostatin with the control of pBlast-Mcs.

RESULTSpBlast-hEndostatin was found to contain the human endostatin gene. The rat corneal neovascularization induced by acid cauterization was significantly suppressed after subconjunctive injection of the pBlast-hEndostatin with inhibition rates of 37%, 40.2%, and 42.8% respectively on the sixth, tenth, and fifteenth day. The inhibition rate for the density of corneal neovascularization was 40%. However, no inhibition effect on the length of the neovascularization and corneal inflammatory cells was observed. Corneal neovascularization areas were positively correlated with edema and corneal opacity.

CONCLUSIONSThe plasmid of pBlast-hEndostatin contained the human endostatin gene. The rat corneal neovascularization induced by acid cauterization can be partially inhibited by subconjunctive injection of the pBlast-hEndostatin mediated by liposomes. Endostatin produced by transfected fibroblast cells directly inhibits corneal neovascularization. This is not caused by inflammatory reaction inhibition.

Animals ; Corneal Neovascularization ; pathology ; therapy ; Endostatins ; genetics ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transfection