Autologous adrenal medullary transplant in progressive supranuclear palsy

Neurology. 1989 Aug;39(8):1066-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.39.8.1066.

Abstract

We transplanted autologous adrenal medullary cells to the caudate nucleus in 3 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, using the method Madrazo has employed for neural transplantation in Parkinson's disease. Major and minor complications occurred post-operatively from which the patients recovered. One patient had a marked improvement in his postural stability and a decreased incidence of falling. This change was evident at 1 month after surgery and has remained for the 6 months of follow-up. Postural reflexes were not altered in the other 2 patients. There was no change in extraocular movements, speech, or the rigid-bradykinetic features of parkinsonism in any patient. Adrenal medullary transplantation has only limited efficacy in progressive supranuclear palsy.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Medulla / transplantation*
  • Aged
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Posture
  • Reflex
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / physiopathology
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / surgery*
  • Time Factors