fig1

Figure 1. Implantation of sEVs derived from IFNγ-primed MSCs preserves visual function and RGC counts better after ONC. (A) Schematic diagram demonstrating the experimental setup for the model of ONC, followed by sEVs injection in the eye; (B) Representative waveforms of FVEP test 7 days after sEVs implantation; (C and D) P1 amplitudes (C) and N1 latencies (D) at 7 days after ONC and sEVs treatment (n = 5 eyes per group); (E) Representative images of retinas from sEVs infusion after ONC, immunohistochemically stained for Brn3a (green) and DAPI (blue). Scale bar, 20 μm; (F) Graph showing the mean number of Brn3a-positive RGCs in retinas (n = 5 eyes per group); (G) Representative images of retinal flat mounts stained for Rbpms. Scale bar, 20 μm; (H) Graph showing the mean number of Rbpms-positive RGCs per field in retinal flat mounts (n = 5 eyes per group). Using one-way ANOVA (C, D, F and H). Data are shown as mean ± SD. ONC: Optic nerve crush; FVEP: flash visual evoked potential; ONL: outer nuclear layer; IPL: inner plexiform layer; GCL: ganglion cell layer; RGC: retinal ganglion cell; sEVs: small extracellular vesicles; MSCs: mesenchymal stem cells; IFNγ: interferon-gamma; NS: no significant difference. ^*P < 0.05; ^**P < 0.01; ^***P < 0.001; ^****P < 0.0001.