Fetal cell grafts provide long-term protection against scrapie induced neuronal loss

We have transplanted fetal neurons to prolong hippocampal pyramidal cell su rvival in a mouse scrapie model in which 50% of CAI pyramidal cells have di ed by day 180 of the 250-day incubation period. Cells prepared from embryon ic PrP deficient mice were intracerebrally injected into infected mice on d ay 150 and groups killed on day 171 and with terminal disease. Neuron count s and CAI depth measurements were made on semi-serial sections using an ima ge analysis system. Both grafted groups retained more CAI neurons than cont rols injected with medium alone, and showed greater depth of CA I than cont rols. This new approach may have potential as a late-stage therapy for TSEs for which there are currently no available treatments. NeuroReport 12:77-8 2 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.