PURPOSE: To develop a model for analyzing the immune response after xenogenic human fetal retinal pigment epithelium (HFRPE) transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pure sheets of HFRPE cells were isolated and attached to poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer films and HFRPE spheroids were formed. The spheroids were transplanted into the subretinal space of New Zealand albino rabbits and were observed for 5 months. Bare polymer films were transplanted into the subretinal space of Dutch Belted pigmented rabbits, serving as control. RESULTS: The polymer film was biodegraded within 3 weeks in the subretinal space. No signs of inflammation in the retina or choroid were observed. The HFRPE spheroids were easily transplanted into the subretinal space. The immune response was followed with ophthalmoscopy. Light microscopy indicated a localized immune response in the transplanted area in which the retina and the choroid were infiltrated with immune cells. This infiltration was denser in the choroid. CONCLUSIONS: HFRPE spheroid transplantation may be utilized as a model for studying the xenogenic immune response after HFRPE transplantation. This model may also have applications in evaluating the role of immune suppressive agents in preventing rejection after HFRPE transplantation.
PURPOSE: To develop a model for analyzing the immune response after xenogenic human fetal retinal pigment epithelium (HFRPE) transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pure sheets of HFRPE cells were isolated and attached to poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer films and HFRPE spheroids were formed. The spheroids were transplanted into the subretinal space of New Zealand albino rabbits and were observed for 5 months. Bare polymer films were transplanted into the subretinal space of Dutch Belted pigmented rabbits, serving as control. RESULTS: The polymer film was biodegraded within 3 weeks in the subretinal space. No signs of inflammation in the retina or choroid were observed. The HFRPE spheroids were easily transplanted into the subretinal space. The immune response was followed with ophthalmoscopy. Light microscopy indicated a localized immune response in the transplanted area in which the retina and the choroid were infiltrated with immune cells. This infiltration was denser in the choroid. CONCLUSIONS: HFRPE spheroid transplantation may be utilized as a model for studying the xenogenic immune response after HFRPE transplantation. This model may also have applications in evaluating the role of immune suppressive agents in preventing rejection after HFRPE transplantation.