Stem Cells and Nerve Repair

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Current studies have discovered that under certain conditions, adult stem cells may regenerate damaged nerve cells. Protective conditions such as a 15mm silicone tube casing in laboratory studies have enabled researchers to protect and nourish transplanted cells long enough to provide a food-friendly and safe environment for up to twenty four weeks.

This aspect of stem cell research, which focuses on the environment of the cell, will allow potential survival of fragile cells for extended periods. This environment, with an added focus on cell nourishment, helps the cells to receive a variety of foods and oxygen necessary for growth and development while they mature into the differentiated cells that are to be transplanted.

As listed in Volume 16, Number 8 of the current issue of Cell Transplantation magazine, scientists were attempting to transplant bone marrow cells that could differentiate into an array of cells; for example, bone, muscle and fat cells, would have a better chance of surviving. This hope will continue to drive new studies and research to not only the transplant process, but the nutrient and growth process as well.

Cells usually differentiate after 24 weeks, but only with the aid of growth factors and cell adhesion molecules. These cells had characteristics of neural cells called Schwann cells. Schwann cells provide the insulation, known as myelin, around axons of peripheral nerve cells, which enables stimuli to pass across the membranes.

Continuing research surpasses all hopes, with a door opening not only to cures for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological maladies, but to actual nerve regeneration practices that will benefit the lives of millions.

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