Author Description

This is a practical introduction to the techniques of neural transplantation in mammalian brain tissue. It provides a detailed description of the techniques, written by acknowledged experts in the field, with practical details and hints complementing the underlying principles. Each chapter identifies the equipment needed, the preparations to be made in advance and step-by-step protocols for each procedure. All aspects of neural transplantation surgery are covered, from staging and dissection of embryonic CNS tissues, through the preparation of tissues for implantation, to the transplant surgery itself. A variety of different methods for solid and cell suspension transplantation are covered. Specialized chapters consider genetic engineering of cells, labelling of grafts, and other aspects of tissue manipulation in culture prior to implantation; implantation of PNS and gilal tissues; transplantation in neonatal animals, including primates; handling of human embryonic tissues for transplantation and immunological considerations. The book should be of interest to neuroscientists studying neural development, anatomical plasticity, functional organization and recovery in the mammalian CNS and to neurologists and neurosurgeons interested in developing clinical applications of neural transplantation. It should be stressed that these techniques are experimental and not for clinical use yet.