Objective To investigate the retina neural stem cell proliferation and the differentiatiation of bipolar cells, the histogenesis and lamination of mouse retina. Methods The immunofluorescent labeling, BrdU detection and HE staining were carried out in the study. BrdU and PKC-α positive cells from embryonic and postnatal retina were measured, and the regression analyses and statistical tests were performed. Results 1. In the early embryonic days, the pigment epithelium, neuroblastoma layer were visualized. After birth, neuroblastoma layer gradually developed into different layers of retina, and the fully developed retina was observed at the age of eye opening. 2. The stem cells in the retina proliferated and differentiated into various types of cells during the embryonic days, and the
proliferation slowed down after birth. With statistical analysis, we found that the number of retinal stem cells gradually increased during the embryonic period and reached the peak at P0. After birth, the neural stem cell started to differentiate, therefore their number reduced gradually. 3. Mouse retinal bipolar cells appeared at P5, and they did not mature until P20. Conclusion The neuroblastoma layer plays an important role in the lamination of retina, and the maturity of retinal morphology is consistent with its functions. The neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation reach their peaks at the neonate day, and the stem cells gradually differentiate into different cell types. In the adult, there are neural stem cells only in the ciliary body, suggesting their repair function after birth.