Transplantation of embryonic dopamine neurons for severe Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Nerve tissue transplants into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease may benefit younger patients but not older patients. This was the conclusion of a study of 40 patients. The transplants came from human embryos.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
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Survival of implanted fetal dopamine cells and neurologic improvement 12 to 46 months after transplantation for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Transplantation of fetal brain tissue may be an effective and safe treatment for some patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Among seven patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who no longer responded to medication, two patients received injections of fetal brain tissue with dopamine cells on one side of their brain and five received injections on both sides of their brain. A neurological examination six months after surgery found that the motor skills of five patients had improved during the 'on' state, which is a period of excessive movement. Patients were able to reduce their dose of anti-Parkinson medication by an average of 39% after transplantation. A PET scan revealed that one patient still had functioning fetal tissue present in his brain almost four years after surgery.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Fetal-tissue transplants in Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Transplantation of fetal brain tissue may be an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Three research studies have found that transplantation of fetal brain tissue may improve the condition of patients with Parkinson's disease. One study involved patients with severe MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease. These patients are important because MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease is a non-progressive form of the disorder caused by a single injury to dopamine cells. These patients may be compared to those with progressive Parkinson's disease to determine whether the transplanted brain tissue degenerates over time. Differences in transplantation technique may also affect the long-term outcome of the treatment. Transplantation also may decrease the daily dose of anti-Parkinson's medication needed by patients.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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