Natural Protection Provides Possible New Treatments For Stroke
Aug. 24, 2007
Science Daily — Two substances that occur naturally in the brain act
to protect the brain during a stroke. This is the conclusion of a
dissertation published at the Sahlgrenska Academy, and the discovery
may lead to new treatments for stroke patients.
Stroke is the result of an infarction, or bleeding, within the brain,
and it may lead to impaired movement, impaired sensation, and
difficulties in cognitive function and speech. Approximately 30,000
people are affected by stroke each year in Sweden, and it is the most
common cause of long-term dependence on care.
"Researchers all over the world are intensively searching for new
treatments. One interesting possibility is that of activating stem
cells in the damaged brain such that the brain can be repaired and
regain its function", says stem cell researcher Jonas Faijerson.
Stem cells are immature cells that reside in selected regions of the
adult brain. These cells can develop either into nerve cells or into
other cells that are important in the brain, such as astrocytes.
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain, and they
play an important role when the brain is damaged.
The dissertation shows that activated astrocytes release substances
that activate stem cells within the brain.
"We have shown that a very interesting hormone known as 'TRH' is
released in large amounts after a stroke, and that this hormone can
not only protect from damage but also lead to the activation of stem
cells", says Jonas Faijerson.
The stem cells also release survival factors to the surrounding brain
tissue when the brain is injured or diseased. The dissertation
describes the identification of a completely unknown survival factor,
which the researchers have named "pentinin". "Pentinin protects brain
cells from several of the effects that a stroke causes. Both TRH and
pentinin are interesting candidates for the development of new
treatment strategies for patients with stroke. It is possible that
these substances could be given in tablet form, as a drop, or as a
nasal spray, when a stroke is suspected", says Jonas Faijerson.
The research has been carried out at the Centre for Brain Repair and
Rehabilitation at the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Dissertation submitted for the degree of Ph. D. in Medicine at the
Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology,
Section for Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation
Title of the dissertation: Neural Stem/Progenitor cells in the Post-
ischemic Environment: Proliferation, Differentiation and
Neuroprotection The dissertation has been successfully defended.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by
Goteborg University.
http://www.scienced
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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