purpose. To determine whether subretinal Schwann cell transplantation can prolong the
survival of photoreceptors in the rhodopsin knockout (rho−/−) mouse. methods. Schwann
cells were prepared from postnatal day (PN) 5 to 7 mouse pups and grafted subretinally into
the eyes of PN35 rho−/− mice. RT-PCR was performed on similarly prepared cells to
determine growth factor production in vitro. Eyes were retrieved at PN70 for anatomic and
statistical analysis. Control animals received grafts of fibroblasts or sham surgery. results. RT …

Purpose: To determine whether Schwann cells can prolong the survival of photoreceptors in
the rhodopsin knockout (Rho-/-) mouse. Methods: Schwann cells were prepared from P5-7
pups and grafted subretinally into the eyes of 5 week-old rhodopsin knockout mice. Rt-PCR
was performed on similarly prepared cells to determine presence of growth factor
messenger RNA in vitro. Animals were perfused at 10 weeks of age for anatomical and
statistical analysis. Results: Rt-PCR demonstrated the presence of mRNA for Ciliary …