An explanation of stem cells and their potential to treat HD
What is fetal neural transplantation? What does this have to do with HD and stem cells?
Fetal neural transplantation is a surgical technique that involves removing nerve cells from an aborted fetus and transplanting them into a human patient. Clinical trials have attempted to use this technique as a treatment for HD by removing striatal nerve cells (those mainly affected by HD) from a human fetus and grafting them into the brain of an adult patient. The therapeutic value of fetal transplantation has been promising so far. Notable improvements include increases in brain activity and motor and cognitive functions. Although the initial results have been encouraging, the clinical usefulness of fetal neural transplantation for HD treatment remains unclear.
The use of human fetal tissue creates a major roadblock to the development of this technique for two reasons. Technically, fetal tissue is difficult to obtain and prepare. Ethically, the use of fetal tissue raises serious concerns. Therefore, the development of an alternative source of nerve cells for neural grafting will be crucial for the continuation of neural transplantation research. Stem cells currently hold great potential as an alternative source. Theoretically, neural stem cells could be developed in the laboratory and then grafted into the patient’s brain. Ultimately, the future of fetal neural transplantation as a clinically effective HD therapy relies heavily on the future of stem cell research.
Last Modified: 5-08-03
An educational product of HOPES, not to be used in place of medical care. For more information about HOPES, click on the Logo.
To contact HOPES with comments or questions, click here.
