Stem Cell Therapy and Huntingtons Disease

In animal models of HD, transplanted striatal cells have survived, grow n and established afferent and efferent connections (Freeman et al., 2000). One open label human trial indicated that grafts may have restored function (Hauser et al., 2002). Recipients show ed cognitive and motor improvements thatw ere associated wdth reductions in striatal and cortical hypometaboiism. The success of grafting may be sensitive to the age of the donor and to the degree of neuronal loss in the patient. Clinical trials are in early phases and there still needs to be resolution of a number of technical issues (Gardian and Vecsei, 2004). 

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