Alternative Cell Lines for Transplantation

There remains considerable controversy over the use of fetal tissue in CNS transplantation. In addition, there is not enough fetal material to supply the need should this be a proven effective treatment for Parkinson's or other neurological diseases.

Human retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells are dopaminergic cells which may be able to integrate into the CNS of the host and provide a stable source of dopamine. Non-human primate studies are currently ongoing to help determine how effective these cells may be in MPTP-induced parkinsonism. Three treatment groups are being evaluated: glass beads alone, glass beads with low RPE cell concentrations, and glass beads with high RPE cell concentrations. This is a randomized, blinded study that may have important clinical ramifications. This project has funding by Theracell, Inc.