American scientists have achieved a first by combining embryonic stem cells with a chemical mixture to partially restore walking ability in paralyzed rats, according to a study published in the July issue of Annals of Neurology. The research was funded in part by the US National Institutes of Health.
The experiment is the first known case of spinal cord neurons derived from embryonic stem cells successfully connecting to muscle tissue and recovering some motor function in paralyzed animals. Researchers said the findings could one day benefit people with spinal cord injuries and conditions that damage nerves, such as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Lead researcher Douglas Kerr of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine described the results as a potential roadmap for using stem cells to rebuild the nervous system, while cautioning that human applications remain years away.
Embryonic stem cells are capable of developing into any of the roughly 200 cell types in the human body, making them a candidate for repairing damaged tissue. Scientists believe they hold potential against a range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.