Paralyzed rats walk again after stem cell transplant
A previously paralyzed rat in a special harness walked in Sweden in June. AP file photo
New research offers hope for combat veterans.
Rats once paralyzed after their spinal cords were surgically cut were able to walk again after stem cells were transplanted into injury sites, according to research published in the journal Cell, Technology Review reports.
Neural stem cells were implanted onto each side of the spinal cord injury in the rats along with a supportive matrix. When the stem cells, derived from aborted fetal spinal cord tissues, grew into the injury site, the rats were able to move all joints of their hind legs, according to the article.
The findings offer hope that doctors could use stem cells to treat paralyzed humans -- even those whose spinal cords are completely severed.