Stem cells could be used to reverse symptoms of motor neurone disease

Source: The Independent
Posted: October 16, 2006

Summary:

Scientists have shown that human stem cells can be used to treat laboratory rats suffering from the same degeneration of the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that causes motor neurone disease, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in people. New research has shown that human stem cells can be grafted into the lower spinal cord of specially bred rats with a genetic defect that mimics the human disease. Further studies with more extensive transplants are planned before human trials can be carried out.

Commentary; Hopefully experiments using stem cells to treat motor neuron diseases in animals will continue to be successful and eventually lead to human clincal trials to attempt to treat these diseases.