Fetal-Tissue Transplants in Parkinson's Disease

For five years there has been widespread interest in the possible benefits of implantation of tissue into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease, starting with reports of success with autologous adrenal medulla tissue1 and fetal ventral mesencephalic (dopaminergic) tissue.2 Claims of dramatic benefit with adrenal medullary implants led to many unsuccessful attempts to replicate the findings, and that approach has been virtually abandoned. Cautious optimism concerning future success with fetal-tissue implantation persisted because there is logic in the idea of dopamine-replacement therapy, and fetal dopaminergic cells could be the source. This approach has been effective in treating the parkinsonian . . .