We have been interested in the use of neural transplants mainly as a local source of neuroactive substances, rather than as a replacement for damaged neural circuities. In particular, we have been exploring the possibilities of reducing pain by transplants of opioid peptide producing cells, and reducing depression by transplants of monoamine-producing cells. For the past several years, work in our laboratory has demonstrated in both acute and chronic pain models that transplantation of adrenal medullary tissue or isolated chromaffin cells into CNS pain modulatory regions can reduce pain sensitivity in rodents. Chromaffin cells were chosen as donor source since they produce high levels of both opioid peptides and catecholamines, substances which independently, and probably synergistically, reduce pain sensitivity when injected locally into the spinal cord. The analgesia produced by these transplants most likely results from the release of both opioid peptides and catecholamines, since it can be blocked or attenuated by opiate or adrenergic antagonists, respectively. Furthermore, CSF levels of met-enkephalin and catecholamines are increased by the transplants.
Peripheral sympatho-inhibitory cardiovascular effects of opioid peptides in anaesthetized rabbits
