Umbilical cords: how can they repair brain damage

by Lisa Cardy

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Scientists say stem cells from umbilical cord blood could be used to repair the brain damage suffered�as a result of a stroke and many other conditions.

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Who is claiming stem cells could be used for treating stroke victims

Professor Paul Sanberg, of the University of South Florida. He presented his report to the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco.

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Has anyone with brain damage been treated in this way so far

So far the treatment has only been tested on rats. Trials on humans could be within a couple of years.

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What are stem cells

Stem cells are progenitor cells that can be made into other types of cells.

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How can stem cells be used to treat stoke victims

In the trials using rats, the stem cells were separated from the umbilical blood and treated so that they could trigger changes in the precursors of nerve cells. The cells were then injected into the veins of rats that had suffered an induced stroke, normally within 24 hours.

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When the scientists examined the rats they found that the stem cells had moved into most parts of the rat's body, however the majority of them had moved to the brain. The new cells hadn't just replaced damaged tissue, they had stimulated the rat's natural repair system. The rats treated with the stem cells made an almost full recovery.

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Injecting the stem cells into veins is a new and seemingly better way of treating stroke victims. Previously injections were made straight to the site of injury in the brain, which is more complicated.

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What are the benefits of using stem cells from umbilical cords

Stem cells have previously been obtained from embryos. As well as being free of ethical considerations, stem cells from umbilical cord blood are in abundant supply and can be frozen for easy transportation and storage.

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Because umbilical cords are already used in other medical treatments, clinical trials on humans can start within two years.

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Can umbilical cords be used in any other medical treatment

Already cells from cord blood are being used in the treatment of leukaemia and rare anaemia's. It may one day help spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, Huntingdon's, motor neurone disease and other brain injuries.