Clinical application of cell transplantation and neurotrophic factors in CNS disorders.
Cell transplantation and administration of neurotrophic factors are now being explored as new therapeutic strategies to restore and preserve function in the diseased human central nervous system. Neural grafts show long-term survival and restore function in patients with Parkinson's disease, but the symptomatic relief needs to be increased. Cell transplantation also seems justified in patients with Huntington's disease and, possibly, in demyelinating disorders. Clinical trials with neurotrophic factors have been initiated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia and Huntington's disease, and may later be started in Parkinson's disease and after acute brain insults. However, it remains to be shown if neurotrophic factors can rescue damaged cells in the brain and spinal cord of patients with these disorders.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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Lindvall
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Odin
D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009474:Neurons / Q000637:transplantation*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000601:surgery
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins