AUTOTRANSPLANTATION OF SCHWANN CELLS TO PROMOTE NERVOUS SYSTEM REPAIR

摘要

The present invention relates to methods of promoting nervous system repair comprising transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a region of nervous tissue injury. In particular embodiments of the invention, Schwann cells for autologous grafting may be harvested from a patient in need of such treatment and then propagated in culture. The present invention provides for cell culture methods which yield essentially pure populations of Schwann cells in substantial numbers which may preferably be derived from segments of adult peripheral nerve.