Neural transplantation: potential role in traumatic brain injury

Neuroscientists have been transplanting neurological tissue into humans and animals for more than a century. Recently, a number of animal studies have demonstrated a degree of central nervous system protection after brain injury using transplanted tissue. This article reviews the history of neural tissue transplantation. Clinical efficacy in Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury is discussed. In addition, possible implications for the treatment of traumatic brain injury are reviewed. Ethical issues in the use of fetal tissue are also discussed.