Fetal stem cells show promise in treating strokes: Infusions migrated to damaged spots in test rats' brains

Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Date: July 28, 2004

Summary:

The San Francisco Chronicle reports on new research investigating applications of fetal stem cells to treat strokes:

"Stem cells derived from human fetuses and used in early experiments with anesthetized rats show long-term promise in treating strokes, according to a team of Stanford University brain researchers. The stem cells have shown the ability to migrate into spaces filled with dead brain cells in laboratory rats suffering from the same types of strokes that can disable and kill humans, the scientists report."

Stem cells promise stroke therapy: Stem cells could potentially be used to repair the damage to brain tissue caused by a stroke, say scientists

Source: BBC News
Published: 2004/07/26 23:00:29 GMT

Summary:

A team from Stanford University injected foetal stem cells into stroke-damaged rats' brains. They found the cells could migrate to the damaged areas, and turn into the right type of brain cell. Whether they actually aid recovery is still unknown.

Transplant hope for stroke sufferers: Stem cells locate brain injury and form replacement neurons in rats.

Source: Nature
Published online: 26 July 2004

Summary:

Transplants of human fetal stem-cells may help repair stroke-induced brain damage. A study in rats has produced the most promising result yet, by showing that grafted cells can home in on injured brain regions and form replacement nerve cells.