In a pig s brain. Previously, transplants to treat Parkinson s had used human embryonic stem cell tissue. Parkinson s disease is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, the chemical that helps direct muscle activity. Its symptoms include trembling, stiffness, and loss of coordination. About 50,000 Americans a year are diagnosed with the disease.
Stem cells form early in an embryo s development.
A pig s embryonic stem cells are similar to those of humans. Improvement is measured along a standard scale that measures mobility and the ability to do common daily tasks. Although the patient s scales of improvement varied, they were similar to the results seen after the first human stem cells clinical trials. The study ran in the March 20 issue of Neurology. HIV and the elderly.