Source: Henry Ford Hospital
Date: June 2, 2010
Summary:
A synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide promoted the creation of new blood vessels and repaired damaged nerve cells in lab animals, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In the latest study, adult rats were dosed with Thymosin beta 4 one day after they were subjected to a blockage in the cerebral artery, then given four more doses, once every three days. Rats treated only with saline were used as a control group.
After eight weeks, the Thymosin beta 4 group showed significant overall improvement compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that the peptide improved blood vessel density as well as promoted a certain type of immature brain cells called oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, which produces myelin to protect axons in nerve cells. These experiments conclude that the peptide repairs and regenerates stroke-injured brain tissue.
