Nose Stem Cells to Be Used in Spinal Cord Experiment

Nose Stem Cells to Be Used in Spinal Cord Experiment

In a small study of 10 patients next year, British doctors will transplant stem cells from the patients’ noses to the area where nerves in the arm have been pulled out of the spinal cord, a common motorcycle injury. The research leading to this step has been done over a period of years by Dr. Geoffrey Raisman, a neuroscientist who discovered that cells from the lining of the nose constantly regenerate. The hope is that these cells, when implanted in the injury site, will form a “bridge” that allows the nerves to regenerate. This is the first human study of such a type, so it is limited to this specific injury.

The story is widely reported. The best general overview is in The Guardian, but you can also find a brief UPI story on Science Daily and another version on The Scotsman. The Telegraph also ran a story which has extensive quotation from Dr. Raisman about what he is doing and why. Raisman last week received the Christopher Reeve research medal.