Fetal brain tissue grafting as therapy for brain dysfunctions: Unanswered questions, unknown factors, and practical concerns

Grafting of embryonic neural tissue into the brains of adult patients is being given serious consideration as therapy for a variety of degenerative and traumatic disorders. It has been argued that neural transplantation can promote functional recovery by replacement of damaged nerve cells, the reestablishment of specific nerve pathways lost as a result of injury, the release of specific neurotransmitters, or the production of factors that promote neuronal growth. This review evaluates the use of transplants to promote recovery from brain injury and highlights the kinds of questions and problems that clinicians need to consider before recommending this form of therapy to patients.