A surgical technique of spinal cord cell transplantation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience methods Vol. 191; no. 2; pp. 255 - 257
• Main Authors: Blanquer, Miguel, Pérez-Espejo, Miguel Angel, Martínez-Lage, Juan F., Iniesta, Francisca, Martinez, Salvador, Moraleda, Jose M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 30.08.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - pathology; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - physiopathology; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - surgery; Bone Marrow Transplantation - methods; Bone Marrow Transplantation - pathology; Cell therapy; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nerve Regeneration - physiology; Neurosurgical Procedures - methods; Postoperative Complications - pathology; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Recovery of Function - physiology; Spinal cord; Spinal Cord - pathology; Spinal Cord - physiopathology; Spinal Cord - surgery; Stem Cell Transplantation - methods; Stereotaxic Techniques - instrumentation; Treatment Outcome; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Spinal cord; Cell therapy
• ISSN: 0165-0270; 1872-678X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.06.014

We report an original method for implanting bone marrow stem cells within the spinal cord parenchyma. This method was used for the experimental treatment of patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The methodology is reproducible and devoid of major complications even in patients showing significant spinal atrophy. Therefore, this report describes a surgical procedure that could be used in other experimental treatments involving the intraspinal delivery of stem cells.