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Basic fibroblast growth factor increases dopaminergic graft survival and function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Nature Medicine volume 1, pages 53–58 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

The clinical use of fetal neural grafts as an intracerebral source of dopamine for patients with Parkinson's disease has met with limited success. Since basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhances the survival and growth of dopaminergic neurons in vitro, we explored whether cells genetically modified to produce bFGF would improve the functional efficacy of dopaminergic neurons implanted into rats with experimental Parkinson's disease. Results show that bFGF-producing cells grafted together with fetal dopamine neurons have potent growth-promoting effects on the implanted neurons in vivo. Moreover, rats implanted with such co-grafts display the most pronounced behavioural improvements post-grafting. These findings not only provide insight into the function of bFGF in situ, but also suggest an approach for enhancing the survival and function of dopamine neurons grafted into the damaged brain.

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Author notes

  1. Hldeichi Takayama

    Present address: Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Digeo, La Jolla, California, 92093-0627, USA

    Hldeichi Takayama, Jasodhara Ray, Heather K. Raymon, Lisa J. Fisher & Fred H. Gage

  2. The Whittier Institute, 9894 Genesee Avenue, La jolla, California, 92037, USA

    Andrew Baird & Joanna Hogg

Authors
  1. Hldeichi Takayama
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  2. Jasodhara Ray
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  3. Heather K. Raymon
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  5. Joanna Hogg
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  6. Lisa J. Fisher
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  7. Fred H. Gage
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Takayama, H., Ray, J., Raymon, H. et al. Basic fibroblast growth factor increases dopaminergic graft survival and function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Nat Med 1, 53–58 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0195-53

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