New Research Shows Progress Towards Reversing Nerve Damage

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New Research Shows Progress Towards Reversing Nerve Damage

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/121462.php

For the first time researchers at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre,

Toronto Western Hospital have successfully transplanted adult spinal

cord stem cells into mice and rats to produce the protective cover,

known as myelin, which is necessary to insulate the nerves in the

central nervous system.

" We know that patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis or

experience spinal cord injuries can lose the ability to produce

myelin, " said lead researcher Dr. Mothe, Krembil Neuroscience

Centre. " By successfully transplanting cells that will produce myelin

this shows great progress towards potentially reversing the

devastating effects of disease and injury caused by the loss of

myelin. "

Myelin provides the covering or insulation for nerves, which is

necessary for normal conduction of electrical impulses and protects

the nerve. Without myelin, impulses become slower and the nerves

themselves are damaged. As more nerves are affected, a patient can

experience progressive interference with functions that are

controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, and

memory.

Scientists believe stem cell therapy is a promising approach for

remyelination. This study showed that transplanted cells from the

adult rat spinal cord can replace the lost myelinating cells and

produce new myelin around the nerve fibers (axons).

" With continued research in this area we will one day be able to take

this knowledge out of the lab and directly to patients, " said Dr.

Tator, Krembil Senior Scientist and co-author of the

study. " With every breakthrough and positive study we become closer

and closer to battling spinal cord injuries and diseases that affect

the nervous system. "

The full study is published in the September issue of Experimental

Neurology.