Stroke repair mechanism discovered

October 15, 2014  18:46

Scientists from Lund University and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a mechanism by which the brain repairs itself following a stroke. In a new study published in the journal Science, the researchers explain how support cells known as “astrocytes” help rebuild damaged nerve cells, or neurons, Medical Daily reports.

Strokes result from a bleeding or blockage inside the brain, leading to the damage or potential death of surrounding neurons. It’s for this reason stroke victims may lose sensory, cognitive, or motor function. The cells that once carried oxygen to the brain can no longer perform their base function, impairing the abilities the brain once enjoyed. The new findings could ultimately lead to manual production of neurons if scientists can activate the mechanism that essentially “turns on” the astrocytes.

“This is the first time that astrocytes have been shown to have the capacity to start a process that leads to the generation of new nerve cells after a stroke,” said Zaal Kokaia, Professor of Experimental Medical Research at Lund University, in a statement.

Kokaia and his colleagues from Karolinska Institutet first discovered almost a decade ago that stroke victims’ brains recover from the injury with help of the brain’s own stem cells. The new findings illuminate what actually is bridging those stem cells to the recovery. In an injured mouse’s brain, the astrocytes that would normally receive no signal to convert into nerve cells now receive that signal. But, as Kokaia explains, the findings extended further.

For starters, Kokaia points to Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Given the initial success with astrocytes’ conversion into nerve cells, the team believes the root principle may uphold the theory for these two neurological diseases and others. Further tests are needed to determine how effective the new neurons will be at contributing to spontaneous recovery.

The National Stroke Association calls stroke recovery a “lifelong process.” Even with extensive mental, physical, and emotional training, not everyone returns to their normal selves.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Read also
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive