The present invention provides methods, compounds and kits for increasing
the viability of cells. The methods involve treating cells that make up a
tissue graft with erythropoietin before, during or after delivery or
administration. The method can employ cells of different types, including
cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells.
Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or
paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following
genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a
neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor. The method is used to treat
neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,
Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain or spinal cord
injury.