This book examines various techniques currently used in the rapidly-developing field of neural transplantation for CNS repair. From the laboratory to the clinic it provides thorough and essential protocols to aid current and future neuroscientists.

In the dramatic and rapidly developing field of neural transplantation for CNS repair, the most powerful contributor has been the vital research focusing on stem cells. In Neural Cell Transplantation: Methods and Protocols, leading experts in the field examine tried-and-true laboratory techniques in order to supply scientists with a firm foundation upon which further advancements can be based. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, the chapters of this volume include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and Notes sections, which examine tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Cutting-edge and easy to use, Neural Cell Transplantation: Methods and Protocols provides the most thorough and essential protocols that will allow new generations of neuroscientists to enter and contribute to this uniquely inspiring field.

Provides concise introductory overviews providing a comprehensive background to the field Includes bench-to-bedside coverage spanning the whole spectrum of practical procedures from laboratory to clinic Written throughout by leading, active researchers in the field Describes detailed methodologies reproducible at the bench A chapter per technique, with no further reference-chasing

Inhalt
Introductory Reviews.- Neural Transplantation and Stem Cells.- Adult Stem Cells for the Treatment of Neurological Disease.- Human Trials for Neurodegenerative Disease.- Practical/Methodological Chapters.- Differentiation of Neuroepithelia from Human Embryonic Stem Cells.- Derivation of High-Purity Oligodendroglial Progenitors.- Flow Cytometric Characterization of Neural Precursor Cells and Their Progeny.- Isolation, Expansion, and Differentiation of Adult Mammalian Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells Using the Neurosphere Assay.- Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture for Neural Transplantation.- Umbilical Cord Blood Cells.- Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases.- Animal Models of Multiple Sclerosis.- Transplantation of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells in Animal Models of Leukodystrophies.- A Rat Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model and Intravenous Cellular Delivery.- MR Tracking of Stem Cells in Living Recipients.- Identifying Neural Progenitor Cells in the Adult Brain.- Immune Ablation Followed by Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Poor Prognosis Multiple Sclerosis.