We plan to use retinal transplantation to restore neural cells to extensively damaged adult mammalian retina. To achieve this aim, we will transplant immature dissociated cells, either from the whole neural retina, or neural cell populations enriched by the application of novel methodologies such as layer separation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The key hypotheses to be tested are that it will be possible to replace photoreceptor cells and interneurons, and that it may be possible to replace ganglion cells, in rats that have extensive losses of these cells by the action of continuous light exposure or toxic injury. The results will be evaluated by a combination of light and electron microscopy, electrophysiological recordings, and light-induced reflex modification tests. The findings resulting from these studies should provide significant insight as to the eventual feasibility of using neural grafts to repair retinal damage resulting from injury or natural disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY005262-08
Application #
3260223
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1984-04-01
Project End
1993-03-31
Budget Start
1991-04-01
Budget End
1993-03-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
208469486
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
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Ison, J R; Bowen, G P; del Cerro, M (1992) Impoverished stimulus input does not simulate the slowed visual kinetics of retinal damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 33:3114-20
del Cerro, M; Notter, M F; Wiegand, S J et al. (1988) Intraretinal transplantation of fluorescently labeled retinal cell suspensions. Neurosci Lett 92:21-6
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del Cerro, M; Grover, D A; Dematte, J E et al. (1985) Colloidal carbon as a combined ophthalmoscopic and microscopic probe of retinal and choroidal vascular integrity. Ophthalmic Res 17:34-41