Xenotransplantation of Porcine Progenitor Cells in an Epileptic California Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus): Illustrative Case

Overview

Journal J Neurosurg Case Lessons

Specialty Neurology

Date 2022 Oct 23

PMID 36273868

Authors

Claire A Simeone

John P Andrews

Shawn P Johnson

Mariana Casalia

Ryan Kochanski

Edward F Chang

Dianne Cameron

Sophie Dennison

Ben Inglis

Gregory Scott

Kris Kruse-Elliott

F Fabian Okonski

Eric Calvo

Kelly Goulet

Dawn Robles

Ashley Griffin-Stence

Erin Kuiper

Laura Krasovec

Cara L Field

Vanessa F Hoard

Scott C Baraban

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

Citing Articles

The Toxic Effects of Environmental Domoic Acid Exposure on Humans and Marine Wildlife.

Krasner A, Martinez M, Field C, Fire S Mar Drugs. 2025; 23(2).

PMID: 39997185 PMC: 11857359. DOI: 10.3390/md23020061.

Cell therapy for neurological disorders: Progress towards an embryonic medial ganglionic eminence progenitor-based treatment.

Righes Marafiga J, Baraban S Front Neurosci. 2023; 17():1177678.

PMID: 37123353 PMC: 10140420. DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1177678.

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