New stem cell therapy could reverse stroke damage

10 March 2009

Scientists have developed a tiny 'scaffold' of stem cells to fill holes in the brain caused by a stroke, which could help reverse cerbral damage. British researchers have used tiny biodegradable 'ping pong' balls, just one-tenth of a millimetre in diameter, to ferry stem cells into stroke-damaged brains.

So far tested in rats, the biodegradable balls loaded with stem cells were able to replace brain tissue in damaged areas. The balls anchored the stem cells in the right place and within a week, healthy new tissue grew.

Although scientists have had some success using stem cells to treat stroke, the cells have tended to ooze out into healthy parts of the brain, cutting their benefit. The new technique ensures they stay where they are needed.

The team, who report the results in Biomaterials, are now planning to add in a protein and other nutrients to encourage new blood vessel growth in the treated areas. But there is still a long way to go in stem cell therapy for stroke survivors.

Previous research in injecting stem cells into rats with stroke damage has had some success but, because they lack structural support, the cells end up migrating into surrounding healthy tissue, the researchers said.

Researcher Mike Modo of the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, said, ''We would expect to see a much better improvement in the outcome after a stroke if we can fully replace the lost brain tissue, and that is what we have been able to do with our technique.''