NEW ASPECTS OF NEUROTRANSPLANTATION

We have examined the possibility of promoting axonal regeneration with in lesioned neural tissue using grafted artificial gel matrices. Polym eric matrices which feature a three-dimentional crosslinked macromolec ular network were implanted into preformed lesions of the central nerv ous system (CNS). The host response consisted of matrix invasion by gl ial elements and the deposition of newly synthesized extracellular mol ecules. This rearrangement of the brain scarring process into an organ ized cellular coating promoted axonal regeneration into the gels. Entr apment of embryonic neurons and embryonal carcinoma (EC)-derived neuro ns, within the gels, was performed to explore the possibility of using polymer brain implants as neural graft microcarriers. Our results sug gest that this approach will be useful for the delivery of cells and t he promotion of axonal elongation required for successful neurotranspl antation.