Sertoli cells enhance the survival of co-transplanted dopamine neurons

One of the major issues in neural transplantation is the law survival rate (< 5%) of transplanted dopamine (DA) neurons [3]. Recently it has been show n that it is possible to enhance the survival of these neurons, which in tu rn may decrease the amount of tissue that is required for each transplantat ion patient. The present paper demonstrates a novel approach for enhancing neuronal survival by co-transplantation of neuronal tissue with Testis-deri ved Sertoli cells (SC). This strategy could improve neuronal survival throu gh the provision of trophic support. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.