The role of induced pluripotent stem cell (IPs) in the transplantation of glaucoma.

AIM: Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of optic diseases that affect almost 1% to 2% of the population older than 40 years. There are many types of glaucoma but the most common type is primary open angle glaucoma. In this study we have investigated the role of muller cell lines in the transplantation of glaucoma model in rats.

METHODS

Intra ocular pressure was created with the help of laser treatment in rats. The induced pluripotent stem cells (IPs) were transplanted into the vitreous or sub-retinal space of glaucomatous or untreated eyes. Double therapy was used for the prevention of graft rejection. The rats were served with the mixture of two drugs in the drinking water. For this purpose cyclosporine (20mg/kg/ day) and azathioprine (2mg/kg/day) were used. This drug therapy started three days before induction of glaucoma.

RESULTS

The transplanted cells were survived in vivo for 2 to 3 weeks and reduction in graft survival was also seen at the 4th week. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that a large number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), positive for the nuclear marker Olig2, survived in the vitreous, proximal to the inner surface of the retina, in glaucomatous eye for up to four weeks.

CONCLUSION

Differentiating IPs cells within the glaucomatous eye produced cells that expressed glial cell markers.