Optimizing Stem Cell Grafting into the CNS

Grafting neural stem cell to facilitate repair after central nervous system (CNS) injury is being used in many laboratories. The technical challenges of this approach include the ability to maintain the viability of the cells before grafting, to be minimally invasive with the grafting method so as to not do further damage to the host CNS, and to maintain optimal viability of the cells during the grafting process. We outline an approach to CNS stem cell grafting that has evolved in our laboratories over the past decade (1 –7 ). The best approach to graft a given stem cell population is empirical, but we provide parameters with which to quickly delineate that approach.