Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
Scientists successfully reconstructed a patterned piece of spinal cord in 3-D culture using mouse embryonic stem cells. The study demonstrates the potential for in vitro growth of spinal cord structures and shows correct spatial organization of motor neurons, interneurons, and dorsal interneurons along the dorsal/ventral axis.
Researchers at UCLA have made a significant breakthrough in treating bladder function in people with spinal cord injuries. They found that training and epidural stimulation enabled paralyzed rats to empty their bladders more fully and efficiently.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the brain/spinal cord barrier, cell death, and functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mice deficient in MMP-3 showed improved functional recovery and smaller volumes of injured tissue.
EPFL scientists have developed a therapy to help people with spinal cord injury walk again by controlling the limbs of a completely paralyzed rat in real-time. The technology uses electrical signals to stimulate nerves and restore movement control. Clinical trials may start as early as next summer using the new Gait Platform.
A researcher will investigate multifunctional and specialized spinal cord nerve cells that control leg movements. The goal is to understand the organization of normal spinal cord circuits for different types of limb movements.
Researchers propose transplanting neural progenitor cells to build a neuronal relay across the injured spinal cord. The model focuses on forming two synaptic connections, one between host axons and graft-derived neurons, and the other between graft axons and target sites within the host, aiming to restore connectivity and function.
Spinal cord injury pain is a debilitating consequence of neurological disorders, interfering with rehabilitation and quality of life. Microenvironment modulation enhances stem cell therapy for SCI pain by preventing aberrant central sprouting of nociceptive fibers.
Researchers found that intranasal administration of nerve growth factor increases its content and receptor in spinal cord neurons, improving locomotor behaviors after spinal cord injury. This study provides evidence for the use of intranasal nerve growth factor as a treatment for spinal cord repair.
A rare case of a posterior spinal artery aneurysm caused by Ecstasy use has been reported, highlighting the risk of severe complications from recreational drug taking. The teenager's symptoms worsened after a week, leading to an emergency transfer and successful surgery.
MIT researchers successfully control muscle movement in awake and alert mice by applying blue light to their spinal cords via optogenetics. This technique reveals the function of inhibitory interneurons that form complex circuits with other neurons, allowing for precise control over specific subsets of neurons.
Researchers developed a rehabilitative approach that boosted nerve fiber growth and trained animals to grip again after a large stroke. The study found that timing and training are crucial factors for successful recovery, with early application of growth stimulators triggering increased sprouting and growth of nerve fibers.
Jessell's seminal research revealed how naïve neural cells develop into distinct motor neuron subtypes to form the spinal cord circuitry. His work has helped create a blueprint for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Developing neurons use the receptors DCC and neogenin to detect Netrin-1, guiding their growth towards anatomical boundaries. This understanding may lead to the development of drugs for spinal cord or brain injuries.
Researchers successfully delivered a replacement SMN1 gene to animal models of SMA, extending their survival. The study demonstrates that enough copies of the SMN1 gene can be delivered to motor neurons in the spinal cord.
Researchers identified key neurons in the spinal cord responsible for controlling rhythmic walking movements. V2b interneurons were found to be essential for flexor-extensor alternation, a fundamental component of locomotion.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found significant disagreement among experts about the severity of horse incoordination, also known as ataxia. The study aimed to establish clearer definitions for normal and abnormal gait patterns in horses, which could lead to greater agreement among specialists.
A novel therapy using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has helped four patients with paraplegia regain voluntary movement, including flexion of toes, ankles, and knees. Researchers believe this approach may change the prognosis for people with paralysis even years after injury.
A groundbreaking study has enabled four paraplegic men to regain voluntary movement in their legs through epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The therapy, which mimics brain signals to initiate movement, demonstrates the potential for functional recovery even years after severe spinal cord injuries.
A new gene therapy has shown promising results in improving hind limb function in rats with spinal cord injuries. The treatment involves delivering a scar-busting gene that promotes the survival of nerve cells and reduces inflammation, leading to improved mobility and tissue repair.
A new intraoperative neuromonitoring procedure was tested in 71 patients to prevent bone screws from damaging the spinal cord. The results showed that this method can accurately detect and avoid malpositioned pedicle screws, reducing the risk of postoperative neurological impairment.
Miriam Hwang's article on longitudinal changes in medical complications in adults with pediatric spinal cord injury won the Ernest Bors, M.D., Award. The award recognizes excellence among young investigators pursuing careers dedicated to bettering lives of individuals with spinal cord injury.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully generate new neurons from adult astrocytes in mice, offering hope for repairing traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. The two-step approach uses a transcription factor to reprogram scar-forming astrocytes into neurons, which then mature and persist for months.
The UCLA research team aims to restore patients' independence by returning their ability to type on a keyboard, open doors and transfer themselves between their bed and wheelchair. The most promising therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate dormant pathways within the spinal cord.
A team of scientists at the University of Basel has elucidated a second information pathway taken by motor commands, revealing a complex network of communication between the spinal cord and brain. This dual information stream enables precise control of fine motor behavior, such as arm and hand movements.
Researchers at Duke University found that long-term spinal cord stimulation improved symptoms of Parkinson's-like disease in rats, protecting critical neurons and promoting better survival. The treatment may offer a new option for managing the condition.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.
Researchers have discovered intricate neural networks in zebrafish that could help explain how humans developed limb control. The study found separate circuits for controlling the left and right sides of the body, which may be a precursor to human arm and leg movements.
Researchers have developed a new measure to prevent iatrogenic spinal cord injury during surgery. Changes in somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) latency reflect the degree of spinal cord ischemic injury, while amplitude variations indicate late spinal cord reperfusion injury.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to bridge the glial scar following chronic spinal cord injury using self-donated Schwann cells. This breakthrough enables regenerated and elongated brainstem axons to cross the bridge, potentially leading to improved hind limb movement in rats with spinal cord injury.
Researchers have identified a molecule that promotes nerve regeneration in the sea lamprey, an eel-like fish. The discovery may guide future efforts to promote recovery in humans who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Cyclic AMP acts as an 'on' switch to convert non-growing neurons into growing ones.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that treadmill step training significantly improved spontaneous motor activity in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury. The training also promoted neural plasticity and growth-associated protein-43 expression, leading to functional recovery.
Researchers analyzed 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord, finding that patchy reinforcement on MRI and inflammatory cell infiltration are key features. The study aims to reduce misdiagnosis rate and improve patient quality of life by providing accurate imaging and clinical properties.
The lab of Dr. John Martin at City College of New York has received $3.7 million for studies on movement control and recovery after brain or spinal injury. The research aims to repair damaged nervous systems and develop therapies for humans with mobility impairments.
Researchers at U-M Health System have begun a Phase II clinical trial using stem cells to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating disease affecting nerve cells. The trial, approved by the FDA and funded by Neuralstem Inc., aims to assess the safety and potential effects of injected stem cells on motor neurons.
Tel Aviv University researchers discover that compounds found in marijuana can prevent inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis. The study uses mice with MS-like symptoms to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and THC.
A multi-centre clinical trial has shown that decompression surgery is effective in treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a degenerative disease that can lead to paralysis. The study found significant recovery in patients with mild, moderate and severe CSM, with improvements in functional, disability and quality of life measures.
Researchers have found that electroacupuncture treatment can improve visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord. This study provides medical support for the central mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture treatment.
Researchers found that stress-related proteins were induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury, exhibiting a protective effect on neurons. Heat shock cognate protein 70 expression was also detectable in glial cell and Schwann cell nuclei after the injury.
Researchers found combined transplantation of astrocytes and decorin promotes axonal regeneration and growth, inhibiting astrocyte proliferation and glial scar formation. This therapy offers a potential new approach for spinal cord injury repair.
Researchers found that basic fibroblast growth factor protects the spinal cord by reducing calcitonin gene-related peptide and acetylcholinesterase expression in damaged motor neurons. This suggests a potential therapeutic application for treating spinal cord injuries.
Researchers used PET scans to identify hypermetabolism in the spine, indicating a potentially reversible phase of degenerative cervical myelopathy. Patients with this marker showed significant improvement after decompressive surgery, while those without exhibited no change.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has published a new issue focusing on the latest research and treatment developments in spinal cord injury. The issue includes articles on various topics such as botulinum toxin use, urology, neuroscience, rehabilitation psychology, and more.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has published a special issue on assistive technology, featuring research on exoskeletal-assisted ambulation, virtual reality-based simulators, and robotic wheelchairs. The issue covers various topics to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.
Chinese herbal medicine JSK improves spinal cord injury outcomes in rats by reducing inflammation, cell apoptosis, and boosting local oxygen supply. It promotes tissue regeneration, restores function, and supports weight-bearing movements.
Researchers found that controlling inflammation in the lower spinal cord is critical to the success of treadmill training after a spinal cord injury. Early training with minimal inflammation led to significant improvements in walking, lasting up to 42 days, while late training failed to produce similar results.
Researchers at Ohio State University have restored immune function in spinal injured mice, providing a potential explanation for why people with spinal cord injuries become susceptible to infections. By targeting specific hormones involved in autonomic dysreflexia, the study offers new therapeutic targets for reversing central immune d...
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich and UCL found that irreversible tissue loss occurs in spinal cord injury patients as early as 40 days after injury. The study used novel MRI protocols to track changes in the spinal cord and brain, revealing a rapid decline in spinal cord diameter and nerve cell volume.
Researchers discovered a regenerative process involving damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord that can improve functional recovery after stroke. The study found significant improvement in voluntary movement in mice whose axons were not severed, suggesting potential treatment targets for enhancing neurological recovery.
Researchers at Northwestern University have isolated and labeled motor neurons in the brain that die in ALS, allowing for the study of disease progression. The discovery paves the way for identifying potential treatments for the devastating neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers developed two innovative techniques to minimize lead migration and anchor site pain in spinal cord stimulators. Advanced anchoring and multiple lead placement through a single port reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.
A novel artificial neural connection bridges the lost pathway between brain and spinal cord, allowing for volitional control of upper limb movement after damage. This study demonstrates that artificial neural connections can compensate for interrupted descending pathways and promote voluntary control.
Researchers developed a new device called Human Spinal Cord Modulation System (HSCMS) to deliver therapeutic stimulation in a more targeted way. The device is designed to be in direct contact with the spinal cord, providing improved pain relief for patients with chronic pain.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have created a new anatomically-based classification for diagnosing cervical spinal stenosis, which helps identify patients requiring urgent surgical intervention. The study found that patients with higher grades of stenosis were more likely to receive spinal decompression recommendations.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully developed a neuroprosthetic system that enables completely paralyzed rats to walk and run again after just weeks of treatment. The technology uses stretchable spinal electrode arrays controlled by smart stimulation algorithms, combined with novel robotic rehabilitation. With the goal of restoring v...
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine published the final phase of the SCIRehab Project, which investigated inpatient rehabilitation practices for acute spinal cord injury. The study found associations between interventions and patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making and guiding clinicians in selecting interventions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that a specific protein helps nerve cells extend themselves along the spinal cord during mammalian development. The protein, dystroglycan, acts as a hub for instructional molecules that guide nerve axons as they grow.
Researchers developed a noninvasive stimulation protocol to temporarily improve hand function in people with spinal cord injuries. The treatment, paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation, successfully enhanced spinal cord transmission and voluntary motor output, leading to greater manual dexterity.
Rodal's lab aims to understand the interplay between neuronal firing and growth factor transport in neurons, with potential applications for ALS and Alzheimer's treatments. She will use a fruit fly model system to study the relationship between electrical activity and receptor trafficking.
Researchers identified a mutation in the DMRT3 gene, crucial for ambling gaits, pacing and high-speed trotting in horses. In mice, this gene reveals fundamental knowledge about neural circuits controlling leg movements.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improves left ventricular contractile function in pigs with ischemic heart failure. Continuous spinal cord stimulation was associated with significant reduction of serum norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide compared to medical therapy alone.