Observation the distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid in the visual cortex of the reconstructed RCS rat's retina by transplanting pure photoreceptor cells

Objective We observe the γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)′s var iationin the visual cortex of Royal College of Surgeons Rat(RCS rat)′s retina following the photoreceptor cell transplantation. Method The healthy Wistar rats′photoreceptor cells were grafted into the sub-retinal space of the left eye of the RCS rat by outer-pa th way.Two weeks later,host animals were sacrificed.Both sides of visual cortex were processed for light microscopic analysis.So did the 74 days Wistar rats an d 74 days RCS rats.Then immunocytochemistry was used to determine the localizati on of the amino acid neurotransmitters(γ-aminobutyrate,GABA).Results After two weeks of transplantation,the transplanted photoreceptor cells survived.On the opposite side of the visula cor tex in the grafted RCS rats,GABA-like immunoreactivity was intensely stained.Bu t the same side of the visual cortex in the grafted RCS rats,GABA-like immunore activity could not be observed.Conclusion These results suggest that we can rebuild the visual pat hway by transplanting the photoreceptor cells.In the visual cortex of the grafted RCS rats,GABA-like immunoreactivity may indicate that the visual cortex had ref lection to the stimulation after photoreceptor cells had been grafted.