Human Stem Cells Return Motor Function to Paralyzed Rats

The study examined nine of sixteen rats injected with human spinal stem cells 21 days after becoming paralyzed. The other seven representing the control group were injected with placebo containing no stem cells. The recovery process was evaluated in seven day intervals, displaying a progressive recovery of motor functions in the rats that received stem cells.

Three of the nine rats resumed walking within six weeks and the other three had improved mobility in lower extremities. In all rats grafted with human stem cells, the majority of these cells survived and became mature neurons. Researchers believe that this therapy may become effective with human patients in conjunction with physical therapy, which may accelerate the integration of grafted stem cells.