New method to treat spinal cord injury

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Examination, Japanese scientists said they have regenerated and restored the ability of neurons to work on damaged spinal cord mice. Using nerve stem cells and antiepileptic drugs.

Illustration.Source: Internet

Previously, in animal experiments, scientists from Nara University of Science and Technology and Kagoshima University had been experimentally damaged by the method of multifunctional stem cell transplantation ( iPS) into experimental mice.

However, the proportion of stem cells that grow into neurons is less than 1%. Moreover, if the mouse is seriously ill, the ability to recover is very difficult. Later, scientists found that valproic acid may help improve the genetic structure of neural stem cells, thereby improving the rate of neuronal growth.

Scientists conducted neuronal stem cell transplantation in the fetal brain of mice in the posterior limb of experimental mice paralyzed by spinal cord injury, and continuously during a week of valproic injections acid into experimental mice.

Six weeks later, of the 21 experimental rats, 15 had recovered their walking ability, but the footsteps were still unstable. The condition of the remaining six children is also improved very clearly.

If stem cells are prevented from developing into nerve cells, laboratory mice lose their ability to walk. This suggests that stem cells have taken a direct role to help mice restore neural networks. Furthermore, after stem cell transplantation, the continuation of valproic acid injections may increase the percentage of stem cells that grow into neurons.

Scientists have named this method 'HINT' . This treatment is important to promote the treatment of spinal cord injury to a new level.

Next step, scientists will conduct experiments on primates. And they hope to soon apply the method in clinical treatment.