Chromaffin cell transplants: from the lab to the clinic

Chromaffin cell transplants have been explored since the early 1980s as a promising alternative in different pathological states, mainly Parkinson's disease and chronic pain. Advances are significant since transplants have been performed in humans. The general mechanism of these transplants relies in the capacity of chromaffin cells to act as mini-pumps that release amines and peptides. Different strategies are being used to improve the efficacy of transplants. However, a remaining hurdle is to determine the viability across time and the interaction with the microenvironment of the graft. We analyzed previous and current results finding that although there is a lot of positive evidence, there is also a lack of molecular studies that support behavioral results. The present review gives an update on recent advances of chromaffin cell transplants and their future in the clinic.