Scientists at the University of Minnesota Medical School report that they have discovered a new population of stem cells found in umbilical cord blood that might lead to regenerating nerve tissue after a stroke.
"We are excited by this discovery because it provides additional insight into how stem cells can restore function in the brain after injury," said Walter Low, senior investigator of the study and professor of neurosurgery.
Stem cells obtained from cord blood have previously shown the capacity to differentiate into nerve cells, and it is also thought to be cytokine driven. But it would be interesting to see if this population of stem cells may require localization in the brain or CSF to activate this branch, or perhaps if its always there at a low level.
Cord blood stem cells have already been used in some patients with paralysis with quite amazing responses were recorded. Could it be that these stem cells when placed in the spine were able to assist in the regeneration of the nervous tissue? I think this is being studied intensely and look forward to the results. Positive results will bring a new therapeutic facet to banking one's umbilical cord blood stem cells.
I saw the articles on the spinal injury patients and will post links in my next entry. :)
See article at: http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060213-113731-9178r
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