Usage Information

Autologous mesenchymal stem cell–derived dopaminergic neurons function in parkinsonian macaques
Takuya Hayashi, Shohei Wakao, Masaaki Kitada, Takayuki Ose, Hiroshi Watabe, Yasumasa Kuroda, Kanae Mitsunaga, Dai Matsuse, Taeko Shigemoto, Akihito Ito, Hironobu Ikeda, Hidenao Fukuyama, Hirotaka Onoe, Yasuhiko Tabata, Mari Dezawa
Takuya Hayashi, Shohei Wakao, Masaaki Kitada, Takayuki Ose, Hiroshi Watabe, Yasumasa Kuroda, Kanae Mitsunaga, Dai Matsuse, Taeko Shigemoto, Akihito Ito, Hironobu Ikeda, Hidenao Fukuyama, Hirotaka Onoe, Yasuhiko Tabata, Mari Dezawa
View: Text | PDF
Research Article Neuroscience

Autologous mesenchymal stem cell–derived dopaminergic neurons function in parkinsonian macaques

Abstract

A cell-based therapy for the replacement of dopaminergic neurons has been a long-term goal in Parkinson’s disease research. Here, we show that autologous engraftment of A9 dopaminergic neuron-like cells induced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) leads to long-term survival of the cells and restoration of motor function in hemiparkinsonian macaques. Differentiated MSCs expressed markers of A9 dopaminergic neurons and released dopamine after depolarization in vitro. The differentiated autologous cells were engrafted in the affected portion of the striatum. Animals that received transplants showed modest and gradual improvements in motor behaviors. Positron emission tomography (PET) using [11C]-CFT, a ligand for the dopamine transporter (DAT), revealed a dramatic increase in DAT expression, with a subsequent exponential decline over a period of 7 months. Kinetic analysis of the PET findings revealed that DAT expression remained above baseline levels for over 7 months. Immunohistochemical evaluations at 9 months consistently demonstrated the existence of cells positive for DAT and other A9 dopaminergic neuron markers in the engrafted striatum. These data suggest that transplantation of differentiated autologous MSCs may represent a safe and effective cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

Authors

Takuya Hayashi, Shohei Wakao, Masaaki Kitada, Takayuki Ose, Hiroshi Watabe, Yasumasa Kuroda, Kanae Mitsunaga, Dai Matsuse, Taeko Shigemoto, Akihito Ito, Hironobu Ikeda, Hidenao Fukuyama, Hirotaka Onoe, Yasuhiko Tabata, Mari Dezawa

×

Usage data is cumulative from July 2025 through July 2026.

Usage JCI PMC
Text version 1,452 66
PDF 209 10
Figure 553 0
Table 165 0
Supplemental data 88 2
Citation downloads 189 0
Totals 2,656 78
Total Views 2,734
(Click and drag on plot area to zoom in. Click legend items above to toggle)

Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.

Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.

Advertisement