Xenotransplantation of porcine progenitor cells in an epileptic California sea lion (Zalophus californianus): illustrative case

Year: 2022

Type: article

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.

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery Case Lessons

DOI: 10.3171/case21417

Institutions: Seafield Hospital, Kentville Research and Development Centre, University of California, San Francisco, University of California, Berkeley, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Marine Mammal Center, Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Language: English

Topic: Xenotransplantation and immune response

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Award: An Interneuron-based Cell Therapy for Epilepsy

OpenAlex ID: W4220745293