Stem Cell Transplant Shows Promise Against ALS: It slowed disease progression in rats, scientists say

Source: HealthDay News
Date: October 16, 2006

Summary:

New research by scientists at Johns Hopkins University conducted on rats may yield stem cell treatments that slow amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. The researchers discoveed that grafting human stem cells into the lower spine of rats bred to duplicate the neurological illness delayed the start of nerve cell damage associated with the disease and slightly prolonged the life of the rats. The team found that the stem cells developed into nerve cells and created extensive connections with existing nerve cells in the rats' spines. The transplanted stem cells did not succumb to ALS.

Commentary: If these results can be successfully in humans, stem cell therapies might eventually be an effective way to treat, or delay, the progression of ALS.