Figure 4.

The presence of donor cells reduces lysosomal storage bodies in host retina. Autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies (arrowheads) are a signature feature of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. The yellow storage body autofluorescence and enhanced green fluorescent protein fluorescence are simultaneously visible when viewed with fluorescein isothiocyanate filters. (A, B): Lysosomal storage bodies are less abundant in mnd retinal samples in which donor cells are present at 16 weeks after transplantation (A) compared with age-matched sham-injected controls (B). (C): The mean number of storage bodies is significantly less in samples with donor cell incorporation (Cells Present) compared with sham-injected controls (Cells Absent). (D): Likewise, the mean two-dimensional surface area of lysosomal storage bodies in host retinas is significantly smaller in samples exhibiting donor cell incorporation compared with sham-injected controls. *p < .01 (C, D). Scale bar = 50 μm (A, B). Abbreviations: GCL, ganglion cell layer; INL, inner nuclear layer; IPL, inner plexiform layer; ONL, outer nuclear layer; OPL, outer plexiform layer.