Recovery of Neurological Functions in Non-Human Primate Model of Parkinson's Disease by Transplantation of Encapsulated Neonatal Porcine Choroid Plexus Cells

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is primarily characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and a loss of their fibre projections in the striatum. We utilized the neonatal porcine choroid plexus (CP), an organ that secretes cerebrospinal fluid containing various types of neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors, to ameliorate the Parkinsonian symptoms in MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-treated rhesus monkeys without requiring immunosuppression. We demonstrate that transplanted encapsulated CP clusters (eCPs) significantly improved neurological functions in MPTP-treated monkeys during the course of six months after transplantation (p < 0.001) when compared with monkeys implanted with empty capsules or subjected to sham surgery. The improvement in neurological scores was accompanied by a corresponding improvement in apomorphine-induced circling behaviour (p < 0.001) as well as increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining in the striatum. Our results suggest that eCPs are a promising cell therapeutic agent to treat Parkinson's disease.

3D cell-laden polymers to release bioactive products in the eye

“…long periods of time and in controlled dosages not achievable with primary cells (Gonzalez-Pujana et al, 2017b). As such, cell encapsulation is being employed in the treatment of multiple pathologies such as diabetes Tuch et al, 2009), intracerebral hemorrhage (AG; Heile and Brinker, 2011), and neurodegenerative diseases (Luo et al, 2013;.…”

Choroid plexus in developmental and evolutionary perspective

“…It has been implicated in over 30 multi-systemic disorders (Emerich et al, 2005 ; Lavezzi et al, 2013 ). Furthermore, it has presented itself as a potential target for pharmaceutical and cell-based treatments for Amblyopia, Stroke, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Alzheimer's disease (Borlongan et al, 2004a , b ; Emerich et al, 2006 ; Luo et al, 2013 ; Spatazza et al, 2013 ; Bolos et al, 2014 ). This clearly illustrates the need for a better understanding of the development and function of this vital organ.…”

Update on cellular encapsulation

“…93 Alginate encapsulated neonatal porcine choroid plexus cells transplanted into the striata of Parkinsonian monkeys also resulted in improved neurological scores over a 6-month study period. 151 Encapsulated porcine retinal pigmented epithelial cells may also have potential for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, although further study will be needed. 152 Critically, alginate encapsulation does not appear to impair dopamine secretion.…”