Researchers at the University of Wisconsin used real-time intraoperative MR (RT-IMR) to guide stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, and the results were promising.

They found that the technique not only allows for better visualization and monitoring of the procedure, but it also helps the cells survive.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be obtained directly from adult cells and can change into a variety of cell types including neurons, heart, pancreatic and liver cells. Previous research has shown that even though neurons derived from iPSC are a great option for cell replacement they also come along with challenges.
The team at the University of Wisconsin developed an MR-compatible trajectory guidance system that can successfully perform intraoperative MR. They recently upgraded the system for real-time targeting and guidance, which provides a few advances for cell delivery.

Those advances include the ability to avoid exposure to air during the procedure and real-time pressure readings that can prevent clogging during cell delivery. Through post-mortem brain analysis, the researchers found that the transplanted cells grafted and survived well in test animals.

The research will be published in the upcoming special "American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair" issue of Cell Transplantation. It’s also currently available online on the Ingenta Connect website.

"Cell therapy is the cornerstone of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease," Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, distinguished professor at the University of South Florida and co-editor-in-chief for Cell Transplantation, said in a statement. "With the advent of iPSCs, the field has made significant advances.”

This new study expands on those advances by addressing logistical concerns regarding cell administration and tracking, he added. This technique may even be useful for other neurodegenerative conditions as well.

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