Ying Li

　　美国UCL大学神经科学研究所

　　There is considerable current interest in the use of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells(OECs)to induce regeneration of severed axons to regenerate in rat spinal cord and spinal roots.Our previous observations show that OECs transplanted into a transection of the retrobulbar optic nerve also induce growth of severed Retinal Ganglion Cell(RGC)axons through the transplant.We now provide the additional information that OECs survive when transplanted by a trans-scleral route into the retina，where they migrate along highly specific paths and differentiate into at least two distinct and non-overlapping types of cells.The transplanted cells differentiate and integrate in response to signals present in the different mini-environments of the host eye.The ensheathment of the unmyelinated segments of the RGC axons suggests a possible future role for these transplanted cells in providing mechanical，neurotrophic support and protection to retinal ganglion cells.