Scientists at the University of California at Irvine have managed to inject adult human neural stem cells into the spinal cord of paralyzed mice, which experienced significantly improved mobility. You can read about this study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
This could lead to effective treatment for patients who have spinal cord injuries. When the human stem cells were injected into the mice’s spinal cord, they split into new oligodendrocyte cells, restoring the myelin around the faulty mouse axons. New synaptic connections were made between the neurons.
What is Myelin?
Myelin is the white substance that covers our nerves, a sort of coating. It enables the nerves to conduct impulses between the brain and other parts of our body. It consists of two layers of lipids (fats) and a layer of protein in between. Myelin is produced by oligondendrocytes in the central nervous system. Myelin wraps itself around axons (part of nerve fibers).
Brian Cummings, one of the authors of this study, said “We set out to find whether these cells would be able to respond to the injury in an appropriate and beneficial way on their own. We were excited to find that the cells responded to the damage by making appropriate new cells that could assist in repair. This study supports the possibility that formation of new myelin and new neurons may contribute to recovery.”
Nine days after being injected with human neural stem cells, the mice displayed significantly better mobility than the control group. The treated mice started using their hind legs and managed some steps. A few weeks later the mice were able to walk.
The researchers say further studies will be needed.
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Editor – Medical News Today