Reversal of Spinal Cord Damage using Stem Cell Therapy

[Ouabache]

Did anyone happen to catch the 60mins TV spot of Hans S. Keirstead last night?

His research showing reversing spinal cord damage in rats using human embryo stem cells is compelling. Brings this approach to humans paralyzed by spinal cord damage, closer to reality. Human clinical trials may be approved as early as next year.

His findings were published in Journal of Neuroscience last May 2005

Hans S. Keirstead, Gabriel Nistor, Giovanna Bernal, Minodora Totoiu, Frank Cloutier, Kelly Sharp, and Oswald Steward
Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Transplants Remyelinate and Restore Locomotion after Spinal Cord Injury
J. Neurosci., May 2005; 25: 4694 - 4705 ; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0311-05.2005

Demyelination contributes to loss of function after spinal cord injury, and thus a potential therapeutic strategy involves replacing myelin-forming cells. Here, we show that transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) into adult rat spinal cord injuries enhances remyelination and promotes improvement of motor function. OPCs were injected 7 d or 10 months after injury. In both cases, transplanted cells survived, redistributed over short distances, and differentiated into oligodendrocytes. Animals that received OPCs 7 d after injury exhibited enhanced remyelination and substantially improved locomotor ability. In contrast, when OPCs were transplanted 10 months after injury, there was no enhanced remyelination or locomotor recovery. These studies document the feasibility of predifferentiating hESCs into functional OPCs and demonstrate their therapeutic potential at early time points after spinal cord injury.

 

[pallidin]

Yes, I did view the program and it was very interesting.

 

[Ouabache]

Indeed, I didn't realize we were that close to implementing a therapy that may repair the nerves in the spinal chord and allow para and quadrapalegic individuals a means of acquiring mobility.