Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for traumatic and degenerative eye disease

Mead, Ben (2015). Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for traumatic and degenerative eye disease. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Aims
The aim of this PhD research project was to investigate the application of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) as a treatment for traumatic and degenerative eye diseases. The accuracy and reliability of counting retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in radial retinal section was also assessed.

Methods
Numbers of RGC in radial retinal sections were compared to numbers in retinal wholemounts. DPSC were cultured with RGC and survival and neuritogenesis were quantified. DPSC were also transplanted intravitreally into rat models of optic neuropathy (optic nerve crush) and glaucoma and surviving RGC and regenerated axons were quantified in radial retinal sections.

Results
Quantifying RGC in radial retinal sections was as reliable and accurate as the current gold standard Thus, retinal wholemounts with Brn3a proved to be the most reliable marker for RGC. DPSC protected RGC from optic nerve crush-/glaucoma-induced death, promoting significant regeneration of RGC axons in the former and preserving visual function (as measured by electroretinography) in the latter. The mechanism of action, as determined in vitro, appeared to be through the secretion of multiple neurotrophic factors (NTF).

Conclusions
In conclusion, DPSC is a potent cell therapy in the treatment of traumatic and degenerative eye disease.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):