Objective: To characterize autologous peripheral nerve tissue (PNT) implants into the substantia nigra of individuals with PD who participated in our previous clinical trials.

Background: Over the last decade, we have been conducting a series of investigator-initiated clinical trials to explore the regenerative capacity of PNT to help support sick or dying cells in the substantia nigra to alter the progression of PD. Currently, 84 participants have received PNT implants with some coming to autopsy over 8 years on from implantation.

Method: Written informed consent was obtained for participants who came to autopsy and sections of the substantia nigra were prepared for immunohistochemistry and spatial transcriptomics analyses.

Results: We have begun to analyze the brain donations from four participants who died of unrelated causes and were 8-10 years post implantation. We observed diffuse staining of P75 Neurotrophin Receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase within the PNT. The PNT also stained positively for angiogenic factors including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Spatial transcriptomic analysis has shown an upregulation in expression that we are continuing to evaluate.

Conclusion: These findings indicate a favorable interaction between the PNT and host tissue and highlight the potential restorative effects PNT could have on damaged cells of the substantia nigra. The long-term survival and activity of the PNT highlight the need for continued research into the mechanisms underlying potential PNT-mediated neuroprotection and regeneration.

« Back to 2025 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/histopathology-of-long-term-implants-of-peripheral-nerve-tissue-into-the-substantia-nigra-of-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/