Neural Repair, Transplantation and Rehabilitation: (Psychology Revivals)

Originally published in 1999, this book begins with a synopsis of experimental work underlying degeneration and recovery in the nervous system, which is then discussed in the context of strategies to repair the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The major part of the book is given over to the approach involving the use of transplanted tissues to replace and restore disrupted neural networks. This experimental work has formed the basis for the emerging clinical trials employing neural grafts for diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's, which are discussed in detail. The book then goes on to discuss newer cellular strategies involving the manipulation of neural cells both in culture and genetically, an approach that may ultimately be employed in the clinical situation.

Neural Repair, Transplantation and Rehabilitation is unique in bridging the gap from experimental studies to clinical trials, whilst also providing the non-specialist with a background in rehabilitation strategies as well as basic neuroscience. It is recommended for all those involved in the management of patients with degenerative and traumatic injuries to the nervous system. Today it can be read in its historical context.

Series Preface. Preface. 1. The Limits of Regeneration in the Central Nervous System 2. Strategies for Protection and Repair of Damage in the CNS 3. Experimental Principles of Neural Transplantation 4. Nigral Grafts in Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease 5. First Clinical Trials: Neural Grafts in Parkinson’s Disease 6. Striatal Grafts: Circuit Reconstruction and Huntington’s Disease 7. Alzheimer’s Disease: A Difficult Target for Transplantation 8. Spinal Cord Injury: The Ultimate Challenge 9. Other Sources of Cells for Transplantation 10. Psychological Factors in Graft Function. References. Glossary. Abbreviations. Author Index. Subject Index.

Roger A. Barker is the Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and Consultant Neurologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital. He runs the regional NHS Huntington's Disease (HD) as well as clinics in Parkinson's Disease (PD). His research investigates the heterogeneity of these disorders and its basis which has informed work he has done on trialling new experimental therapeutics for these conditions including cell and gene therapies as well as drug repurposing. He is lead academic scientist of the ARUK funded Drug Discovery Institute in Cambridge as well as the John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and Chair of Neurodegeneration at LifeArc. He is Co-editor in chief of the Journal of Neurology.

Stephen Dunnett

Reviews for the original edition:

‘The book is clearly written in languages that does not assume any detailed prior knowledge of cell biology, and is well illustrated. It can be recommended to all who would like to learn more about this rapidly expanding field.’ – Leslie Iversen, King's College London in Neuropsychologia 38 2000

‘Overall, the book by Barker and Dunnett represents a comprehensive and excellent overview of brain repair concepts and strategies ranging from the experimental basis to clinical applications. It can be highly recommended to both non-specialists and experts in the field, as it provides easily accessible information together with in-depth reviews of most of the important areas of brain plasticity and restoration.’ – Guido Nikkhah, Nordstadt Hospital, Germany in Brain, 2001

‘Today Barker and Dunnett’s volume provides both the aspiring researcher and interested clinician with the most succinct state-of-the-art survey available. As an accessible review of the latest techniques and future advances in neural transplantation Barker and Dunnett’s book is an undoubted success.’ – Andrew Worthington, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, Birmingham