Restoration of Motor Control and Dopaminergic Activity in Rats with Unilateral 6-hydroxy-dopamine Lesions - Retracted

Abstract

To restore motor function and dopaminergic activity in the nigrostriatum of rats with unilateral 6-hydroxy-dopamine lesions using implants of encapsulated porcine choroid plexus cells. Neonatal porcine choroid plexus cells were prepared and maintained in culture, then encapsulated within alginate-polyornithine capsules (600-660 µm). Rats were unilaterally injected with 6-hydroxy-dopamine into the striatum. Those with lesions verified after 2 and 4 weeks were selected for experiments. Rats were implanted adjacent to the lesion with ten capsules 2-4 days later with (treated, n = 12) or without (control, n = 10) choroid plexus cells. The choroid plexus cells were shown to produce a wide range of neurorestorative proteins. The treated group had a 60% improvement in motor behavior compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The treated group also had a significant improvement in nigrostriatal dopaminergic activity (31%, p < 0.02). Capsules containing porcine choroid plexus cells release therapeutic molecules that stimulate regeneration of the lesioned nigrostriatum in rats.