Hopes of a New Treatment Approach for ParalysisMarch 15, 2004Scientists at the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg) were recently able to show in experiments with mice that a paralysis can be reversed by blocking programmed cell death. Paralysis in the form of paraplegia and quadriplegia is usually the result of traumatic spinal cord injuries, but can also be caused by tumors. When the spinal cord is cut off, information sent by the brain can no longer be transmitted to the limbs. Biological processes such as programmed cell death, or apoptosis, take place after the actual moment of injury of the nerve cords and lead to further destruction of the damaged tissue and thus to permanent paralysis. Dr. Ana Martin-Villalba and collaborators at the Immunogenetics Division headed by Professor Dr. Peter Krammer describe in the latest issue of the science journal Na-ture Medicine* how blockage of a key molecule of apoptosis restores the ability of coordinated movement of paralyzed limbs. Using specific antibodies, the investiga-tors blocked a protein called CD95 L which triggers a suicide cascade in cells carry-ing the specific receptor protein CD95. The experiments showed that mice treated with antibodies after selective spinal cord injuries performed significantly better in special skill tests than the control animals. In addition, tissue sections of the treated animals revealed newly growing nerve fibers beyond the place of injury. Treatment with antibodies also prevented oligodendro-cytes from dying - cells that insulate the cord-like nerve fibers and thus facilitate sig-nal transmission. *Deana Demjen, Stefan Klussmann et al.: Neutralization of CD95 ligand promotes regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Nature Medicine, April 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Related Spinal Cord Current Events and Spinal Cord News Articles In the war against diseases, nerve cells need their armor In a new study, researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), McGill University, and the Université de Montréal have discovered an essential mechanism for the maintenance of the normal structure of myelin, the protective covering that insulates and supports nerve cells (neurons). Intraspinal implant of mesenchymal stem cells may not heal the demyelinated spinal cord Multiple sclerosis is a disease caused by the loss of the myelinated sheath surrounding the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. Response to immune protein determines pathology of multiple sclerosis New research may help reveal why different parts of the brain can come under attack in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). According to a new study in mice with an MS-like disease, the brain's response to a protein produced by invading T cells dictates whether it's the spinal cord or cerebellum that comes under fire. Landmark study unlocks stem cell, DNA secrets to speed therapies In a groundbreaking study led by an eminent molecular biologist at Florida State University, researchers have discovered that as embryonic stem cells turn into different cell types, there are dramatic corresponding changes to the order in which DNA is replicated and reorganized. Protein shown to play a key role in normal development of nervous system A protein that enables nerve cells to communicate with each other plays a key role in controlling the developing nervous system. Researchers use nanoparticles to deliver treatment for brain, spinal cord injuries Purdue University researchers have developed a method of using nanoparticles to deliver treatments to injured brain and spinal cord cells. New study proves that pain is not a symptom of arthritis, pain causes arthritis Pain is more than a symptom of osteoarthritis, it is an inherent and damaging part of the disease itself, according to a study published today in journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. Rare genetic disorder gives clues to autism, epilepsy, mental retardation A rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is yielding insight into a possible cause of some neurodevelopmental disorders: structural abnormalities in neurons, or brain cells. Family history of brain tumors linked to increased risk of brain cancer People with a family history of cancerous brain tumors appear to be at higher risk of developing the same kind of tumors compared to people with no such family history. The pepperoni pizza hypothesis What's the worst that could happen after eating a slice of pepperoni pizza? A little heartburn, for most people. More Spinal Cord Current Events and Spinal Cord News Articles |
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