Scientists Restore Brain Function After Stroke Using Stem Cells in Mice
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich and the University of Southern California suggests that brain damage caused by blocked blood vessels may be potentially treatable with stem cell injections.
The results obtained were fascinating, and the findings may one day help stroke patients regain lost functions.
In experiments with mice that had stroke-induced brain damage, researchers injected human stem cells and observed that the cells developed into immature brain cells. Remarkably, most of the implanted cells remained in place, developed characteristics of fully functioning neurons, and even communicated with surrounding brain cells.
Neuroscientist Christian Tackenberg from the University of Zurich mentioned that they found the stem cells survived for the full analysis period of five weeks and that most of them transformed into neurons, which actually even communicated with the already existing brain cells.
The study also revealed some additional essential benefits. The study showed that blood vessels can repair themselves. It also concluded that there was a significant decrease in brain inflammation. With the results of this study, researchers demonstrated that the blood-brain barrier was strengthened. The mice showed improvements in movement and coordination, a significant outcome since strokes often severely impair motor control.
This study builds upon earlier research by the same team, which examined the optimal timing for stem cell injections following a stroke. Their findings indicate that the brain needs to stabilize to a certain extent post-stroke for the therapy to be effective.
Although several studies have been conducted in this area, the current study provides a deeper understanding of stem cells and their morphological behaviors. The research undertaken by Tackenberg and colleagues emphasizes the knowledge of the survival of implanted cells to explore whether they form functional neurological connections.
“Our analysis goes far beyond the scope of other studies, which focused on the immediate effects right after transplantation,” Tackenberg explained.
Currently, stroke-induced brain damage is considered irreversible and affects roughly a quarter of the population. Stroke-related internal bleeding or oxygen deprivation permanently destroys brain cells, often causing lasting impairments in speech and movement.
Despite these challenges, researchers remain optimistic that stem cell therapy could eventually repair what is currently irreparable. Innovations in related areas, such as treatments for diabetes and vision loss, suggest a broader potential for regenerative therapies.
Eventhough scientists restore brain function, translating this approach to humans presents numerous challenges, including ensuring that implanted stem cells do not exceed their intended functions.
Tackenberg mentioned that it is essential to pursue new therapeutic approaches to potential brain regeneration after diseases or accidents. He also stated that their findings show that neural stem cells not only form new neurons, but also induce other regeneration processes.
