Adrenal Autotransplantation in Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT

Recent experimental studies and clinical cases have suggested that grafting tissue from the adrenal medulla into the brain may alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Autologous adrenal medullary grafts into the striatum was performed stereotactically in two patients with Parkinson's disease. Both patients were bedridden preoperatively, but 4 months after the surgery both became ambulatory and one was even capable of returning to his job, Even though the number of cases was small(2) and the follow-up period was short, this study shows that adrenal medullary transplantation into the striatum may have some beneficial effects in patient with Parkinson's disease. Further experimental and clinical trials are necessary to see whether this procedure will be a recommendable surgical treatment for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.