Stem Cells part 28

Brain cell transplantation

Stem cells can provide dopamine - a chemical lacking in victims of Parkinson's disease. It involves the loss of cells which produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. The first double-blind study of fetal cell transplant for Parkinson's disease reported survival and release of dopamine from the transplanted cells and a functional symptoms. However, some patients developed side effects, which suggested that there was an over sensitization to or too much dopamine. Although the unwanted side effects were not anticipated, the success of the experiment at the cellular level is significant.