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It Might Become Possible to Regenerate Damaged Nerve Fibres in Spine
February 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Research News
It may also encourage the remaining undamaged nerve fibres to work more effectively.
Spinal injuries are difficult to treat because the body cannot repair damage to the brain or spinal cord.
Although it is possible for nerves to regenerate, they are blocked by the scar tissue that forms at the site of the spinal injury.
The Cambridge team has identified a bacteria enzyme called chondroitinase which is capable of digesting molecules within scar tissue to allow some nerve fibres to regrow.
The enzyme also promotes nerve plasticity, which potentially means that remaining undamaged nerve fibres have an increased likelihood of making new connections that could bypass the area of damage.
In preliminary tests, the researchers have shown that combining chondroitinase with rehabilitation produces better results than using either technique alone.
However, trials have yet to begin in patients.
Lead researcher Professor James Fawcett said: "It is rare to find that a spinal cord is completely severed, generally there are still some nerve fibres that are undamaged.
"Chondroitinase offers us hope in two ways; firstly it allows some nerve fibres to regenerate and secondly it enables other nerves to take on the role of those fibres that cannot be repaired.
"Along with rehabilitation we are very hopeful that at last we may be able to offer paralysed patients a treatment to improve their condition."
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