Cell therapy of spinal injury: the results are good, but so far – on dogs

Scientists treat paralysis in dogs with olfactory cells

BBCScientists have managed to cure the paralysis of the hind legs in dogs by transplanting olfactory cells from their noses into their spinal cord.

We are talking about dogs who, due to spinal cord damage, could not move their hind legs.

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge says that the technique will play a significant role in the development of treatment for human paralysis.

The study was the first in which cells were injected into truly sick animals, rather than laboratory subjects.

The cells obtained from the nose continued to develop and grow in the laboratory for several weeks.

Of the 34 dogs who took part in the testing, 23 were transplanted cells, the rest were given a neutral substance.

Many of those animals that were injected with cells showed improvement – they were able to walk on a treadmill. First with the support of a special bandage, and then independently.

Jasper, a 10-year–old dachshund, is one of the subjects.

According to his owners, before treatment he could not move his hind legs at all, but now he "runs around the house and garden and does not lag behind other dogs."

One of the animals in the control group failed to regain the mobility of the hind legs.

Fascinating resultsProfessor Robin Franklin from the Stem Cell Institute of the MRC Center for Regenerative Medicine, says the results of the study are exciting.

It has been proven for the first time that transplantation of cells of this species into a severely damaged spinal cord can lead to significant improvement, the scientist says.

"We are confident that this technique will be able to restore or at least partially restore mobility to patients with spinal cord injuries, but it is still far from being possible to say that movement can be fully restored," he said.

According to Mr. Franklin, the cell transplantation procedure can be carried out in parallel with the use of drugs.

As the scientists explained, the transplanted cells restored nerve fibers in the damaged area of the spinal cord, which allowed the dogs to adjust the coordination of the movements of the front and hind paws.

However, new nerve connections were not formed at the distance necessary for the connection of the brain with the spinal cord. As scientists explain, this will be important for patients who have lost control of the intestines or bladder due to spinal cord damage.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru20.11.2012