A gel has been developed that regenerates brain tissue after stroke
A gel has been developed at the University of California, Los Angeles that can help regenerate neurons and blood vessels in the brain damaged by stroke. Tests conducted on mice confirmed the preparation’s effect.
The newly developed gel can counteract the effects of stroke in m zgu. During the test In mice, researchers showed that their formulation could regenerate damaged tissue in m zgu. The findings were published in the journal „Nature Materials”.
– We tested the gel on laboratory mice to determine whether it regenerates damage m zg in a mouse model of stroke. Tests showed that what had been inactive scarring in the m zgu, has been regenerated – said Professor Thomas Carmichael of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The formulation is essentially a hydrogel infused with drugs that stimulate blood vessel growth and relieve inflammation. Inflammation causes scarring and impedes tissue regeneration. The scientists’ work may in the future lead to the development of new and effective therapies for post-stroke.
M zg has limited regenerative capacity after strokes and other diseases. Unlike other organ in the body, such as the liver or sk ra, m zg does not renew connections, blood vessels and tissue structures. The damaged tissue is absorbed leaving an empty space devoid of blood vessels, neuron and axon .
The researchers, who wanted to see if they could induce healthy tissues surrounding areas empty of damage to self-repair, injected hydrogel into them. After injection, the gel thickened to form a scaffold-like structure, which ra supported the growth of new neurons in and blood vessels.
The mice’s recovery went surprisingly well, and after 16 weeks, the voids were filled with new tissue m zgowa having new neurons. In rodents, it manifested m.in. in that they were more mobile, had a greater appetite and significantly improved motor coordination.
The gel was completely absorbed by the body of the mice. New tissue is left behind. Syndrome ł researchers admitted, however, that they are not entirely sure what mechanism caused the improved motor behavior.
The results of the study are extremely promising and could contribute to the development of an effective drug for tissue regeneration m zgu. Researchers tested the ability to recover from an acute stroke in the immediate post-stroke period. Now they want to see if the tissue m zgowa can be regenerated in p imely. If successful, it would give hope to millions of os b living with the long-term effects of stroke.
