Xenotransplantation of porcine progenitor cells in an epileptic California sea lion (Zalophus californianus): illustrative case.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY. CASE LESSONS 2022;
3:CASE21417. [PMID:
36273868 PMCID:
PMC9379678 DOI:
10.3171/case21417]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Domoic acid (DA) is a naturally occurring neurotoxin harmful to marine animals and humans. California sea lions exposed to DA in prey during algal blooms along the Pacific coast exhibit significant neurological symptoms, including epilepsy with hippocampal atrophy.
OBSERVATIONS
Here the authors describe a xenotransplantation procedure to deliver interneuron progenitor cells into the damaged hippocampus of an epileptic sea lion with suspected DA toxicosis. The sea lion has had no evidence of seizures after the procedure, and clinical measures of well-being, including weight and feeding habits, have stabilized.
LESSONS
These preliminary results suggest xenotransplantation has improved the quality of life for this animal and holds tremendous therapeutic promise.
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