Figure 6. In vivo survival of TH+ DA neurons and behavioral analysis of 6-OHDA rats transplanted with PiPSC-derived DA neurons.

A. Unsorted PiPSC-derived DA neuron graft express TH. B. Sorted NCAM⁺/CD29^low PiPSC-derived DA neuron graft express TH. C. TH+ cell density is significantly higher in sorted NCAM⁺/CD29^low cell graft compared to unsorted cell graft, * p<0.05. D–E. Higher magnification of unsorted cells and sorted NCAM⁺/CD29^low -cells in the graft, scale bar 50 μm. Unsorted and NCAM⁺/CD29^low cell grafts have TH+ neurite outgrowth from the graft site to the rodent host striatum, scale bar 100 μm. Higher magnification shows single TH+ neurites innervation to host striatum (black gate). F. Amphetamine-induced rotation tests for 6-OHDA-lesioned rats 8, 12, and 16 weeks after PiPSC-derived DA-neuron transplantations, show a graft-induced decrease in the number of rotations. G. Cylinder test in 6-OHDA rats at 16 weeks after transplantation of unsorted or sorted PiPSC-derived DA neurons. Rats with sorted NCAM⁺/CD29^low neural grafts had significantly increased use of contralateral paw, * p< 0.05.