Brain key to stroke cure

Source: Herald Sun
Posted: June 26, 2006

Summary:

SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to enable the brain repair itself after a stroke, according to new research. Fewer rats that suffered an induced stroke remained paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. A team of scientists stimulated stem cells in the rats' brains after they were starved of oxygen. They used proteins to activate a receptor on the stem cells known as the notch. The receptor caused a "cascade" effect which created new brain cells after the stroke. The treatment also improved the ability of existing cells to survive the lack of oxygen.

Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually be translated into an effective treatment for stroke in humans.