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Rescue of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons after implantation of genetically modified cells producing recombinant NGF

Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts were genetically modified by transfection with a mammalian expression vector containing the rat β‐nerve growth factor (NGF) gene. The transfected cell line, designated 3E, contains several hundred copies of the rat NGF gene and secretes high levels of biologically active NGF. Pieces of collagen gel containing the NGF‐secreting 3E cells were grafted to the brains of unilaterally fimbria‐fornixlesioned rats. Grafts of the genetically modified NGF‐producing cells rescued axotomized basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and significantly reduced cholinergic cell death in the medial septum as copared with rats treated with grafts of the parental 3T3 cells. Grafted fibroblast cells were detected, and rescue effects were noted up to 6 weeks after grafting. Local effects of NGF secreted by grafted cells were also seen at the gel‐brain border in the form of sprouting acetylcholinesterase immunoreactive host cortical fibers. We suggest that implantation of genetically modified cells producing NGF may have therapeutic applications in rescuing damaged central cholinergic neurons in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type as well as in providing trophic support for chromaffin tissue grafts in Parkinson's disease.