Recovery of chronic parkinsonian monkeys by autotransplants of carotid body cell aggregates into putamen

We have studied the effect of unilateral autografts of carotid body cell ag gregates into the putamen of MPTP-treated monkeys with chronic parkinsonism . Two to four weeks after transplantation, the monkeys initiated a progress ive recovery of mobility with reduction of tremor and bradykinesia and rest oration of fine motor abilities on the contralateral side. Apomorphine inje ctions induced rotations toward the side of the transplant. Functional reco very was accompanied by the survival of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH-p ositive) grafted glomus cells. A high density of TH-immunoreactive fibers w as seen reinnervating broad regions of the ipsilateral putamen and caudate nucleus. The nongrafted, contralateral striatum remained deafferented. Intr astriatal autografting of carotid body tissue is a feasible technique with beneficial effects on parkinsonian monkeys; thus, this therapeutic approach could also be applied to treat patients with Parkinson's disease.