Olfactory Stem Cells Versus Parkinson's
Another demonstration of stem cells used to generate new dopamine-generating neurons is announced via EurekAlert: "adult stem cells harvested from the noses of Parkinson's patients gave rise to dopamine-producing brain cells when transplanted into the brain of a rat. The debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's such as loss of muscle control are caused by degeneration of cells that produce the essential chemical dopamine in the brain. ... When stem cells from the nose of Parkinson's patients were cultured and injected into the damaged area the rats re-aquired the ability to run in a straight line. ... All animals transplanted with the human cells had a dramatic reduction in the rate of rotation within just 3 weeks ... This provided evidence the cells had differentiated to give rise to dopamine-producing neurons influenced by being in the environment of the brain. In-vitro tests also revealed the presence of dopamine. ... stem cells from the olfactory nerve in the nose are 'naive' having not yet differentiated into which sort of cells they will give rise to. ... They can still be influenced by the environment they are put into. In this case we transplanted them into the brain, where they were directed to give rise to dopamine producing brain cells."
Link: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-06/ra-asc060608.php