[Proliferative activity of the pigment epithelium and regenerating retinal cells in Ambystoma mexicanum].

Cellular sources of retinal regeneration and proliferative activity of the cells taking part in retina restoration have been studied in axolotls using 3H-thymidine. The cells of ciliary-terminal zone proved to be the main source of retinal restoration. Besides these cells, the pigmented cells of the iris inner and outer layers and pigment epithelium cells can take part in this process. Morphological stages of retinal regeneration have been established and regular changes in the level of proliferation in different zones of regenerating retina have been found with respect to the stage of retina restoration. The high level of proliferative activity of the pigment epithelium cells found soon after the operation favoured the restoration of disturbed integrity of the pigment epithelium layer, the increase of cell density in it, the elongation of the pigment epithelium layer, the formation of processes, and, sometimes, the replenishment of regenerating retina.