Abstract

In this review the experimental background for treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease by intracerebral transplantation is presented. Intracerebral transplantation has been performed either with the patients own adrenal medulla or with human fetal dopaminergic neurons obtained from abortions. Intracerebral transplantation of adrenal chromaffin cells to rodents has shown poor cell survival and minor, transient effects on experimentally induced parkinson-like symptoms. Intracerebral autotransplants of medullary adrenal tissue to patients with Parkinson's disease have shown corresponding, minor improvements in the parkinson status. Animal experiments with grafting of developing fetal dopaminergic neurons have been more rewarding and resulted in reversal of parkinson-like symptoms. Experimental transplantations with human fetal dopaminergic neurons to patients with Parkinson's disease have not entirely lived up to these expectations. At a recent meeting, arranged to set up a European network for research and information, it was agreed that more animal experiments, in particular including non-human primates are needed. Regarding the clinical trials with transplantation of human fetal dopaminergic tissue coordination of neurological test procedures performed pre- and posttransplantation was strongly recommended.