Scientists have been able to partially restore paralyzed rats

Using pluripotent cells derived from human embryonic germ cells, scientists not funded by the NIH have been able to partially restore paralyzed rats’ ability to move. The rats serve as an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Transplanted pluripotent cells migrate into the spinal cord of paralyzed rats and prevent existing host neurons from dying. The cells seem to restore mobility by secreting factors that promote the regrowth of connections between ingrowing nerves and motor neurons. This work provides hope that scientists may one day be able to use pluripotent cells to restore movement to patients suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
( Kerr et al., J Neurosci 23:5131&endash;5140, 2003)