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RTK.NET Mail 156145 May 22 14:51:54 1996 I did some reading on this topic because I wanted to know what research would be impacted by the ban on federal support for research using human embryos that was part of the January continuing resolution that funded NIH for FY96. Those supporting the ban claimed they were most disturbed by human eggs being fertilized in the laboratory for research purposes. Those opposing the ban pointed out that many of these embryos are donated by couples trying in vitro fertilization and that this research could lead to important understandings of neurological development that might help us learn more about neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This ban was probably the impetus for the discussion of the ethics of research using human embryos that was quoted on the list. I don't remember the details, and time periods, but the stage at which fetal neural tissue will be suitable for implants is definitly later than the "embryo" stage. While research using human embryos could have important implications for PD research, it is, unlike fetal tissue transplant studies, not one of the most promising areas on the road to find a cure. Because of this, addressing the embryo research ban is not a priority when we have more significant work like working for passage of the Udall bill and clearing up misconceptionsx about fetal tissue research. Transmission of viruses to patients receiving fetal tissue implants is also a serious concern. One of the advantages using fetal pig tissue rather than human fetal tissue is the fact that we can exert more control over the environment and do advance screening--obviously, since the topic of fetal tissue donation cannot be introduced until after the decision to have an abortion has been made, any advance screening of the mother would be extremely limited. In addition, Dr. Isacson found in cross species implant animal studies that the rate of recovery from MPTP induced symptoms corresponds with how quickly the donor species' neural tissue begins producing dopamine during normal fetal development. Future Parkinson's treatments (as opposed to experimental procedures) that develop from current research with fetal tissue implants will involve either animal fetal tissue or cells genetically engineered to produce dopamine. My personal hunch is that scientists will develop the ability to engineer cells to produce dopamine and also to produce nerve growth hormones such as GDNF. I believe implants using both types of cells will be the most promising. Sherri [log in to unmask]