Neural cell transplants may help those with Parkinson...(responding author Richard Grondin PhD of...)

Date:5/18/2008

responding author Richard Grondin, PhD of the University of Kentucky. The volume of GDNF distribution in the trophic factor recipients significantly correlated with motor function improvements. Tissue distribution may not have been optimal with NTN, but the overall effects of NTN on motor and dopaminergic function suggest potential therapeutic uses.

Contact: rcgron0@uky.edu

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According to Zhiming Zhang, M.D. corresponding author and colleagues from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, the need is great for longitudinal noninvasive, highly sensitive imaging techniques to monitor treatment for PD. Their study reports on attempts at monitoring GDNF-induced functional changes in the basal ganglia using pharmacological MRI (phMRI) to measure response to dopamine. The aim is to eventually be able to visualize changes in the living brains of PD patients.

Our hypothesis was that phMRI techniques combined with selective dopaminergic agents could monitor PD treatment, said Zhang. GDNF has been proven to halt or reverse progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal DA system in models of PD. The ability to reliably monitor therapeutic effects would provide valuable information in assessing the progression of PD.

In their study, Zhang, et al found that phMRI showed its potential by detecting functional changes before and after infusion with GDNF. These changes were also accompanied by improvements in motor function.

Contact: zzhan01@uky.edu

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Transplantation of dopamine neurons as therapy for PD has been tested recently. Researchers sought to answer questions about where to place the transplanted neurons to gain the best environment for the optimal effect. One research team found that grafted dopamine neurons could extend neurites toward a desired target over several millimeters through the brain in animal models which
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Contact: Dr. Paul Sanberg psanberg@health.usf.edu 813-974-3154 Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair Source:Eurekalert

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