THE HISTORY, THEORY, AND PRESENT STATUS OF BRAIN TRANSPLANTATION

After 100 years of experimenting with transplantation into the central nervous system, it appears clear that both specific and nonspecific n euronal and neuroendocrine functions can be restored by grafting the a ppropriate tissue into the proper host target regions. Success depends greatly on details of donor tissue preparation, technique of implanta tion, and understanding of the pathophysiology in order to insure the proper host-graft interaction. In a little over 10 years of clinical i nvestigation, the application of this technology to Parkinson's diseas e is beginning to demonstrate a degree of efficacy that may allow for repair and restoration of neurologic function by grafting into the cen tral nervous system.