Nerve-cell grafting in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

✓ The successful utilization of fetal nerve-cell grafts as therapeutic tools in animal models of neurodegenerative disease has prompted the first clinical attempts in parkinsonian patients in at least three countries. The extensive scientific data in rodents coupled with the first successful fetal neural grafts in monkeys with experimental parkinsonism suggest that consideration might now be given to clinical applications. Attention is also directed to the various types of donor cells that might be utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of parkinsonism, including potential benefits, risks, and limitations associated with each type of donor material. This review highlights major developments in this field as they relate to basic principles of neural grafting and discusses potential applications in humans.