Stem Cells May Provide Possible New Treatments For Stroke

Science Daily — Stem cells are immature cells that reside in selected regions of the adult brain. These cells can develop either into nerve cells or into other cells that are important in the brain, such as astrocytes. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain, and they play an important role when the brain is damaged.

The dissertation shows that activated astrocytes release substances that activate stem cells within the brain.

"We have shown that a very interesting hormone known as 'TRH' is released in large amounts after a stroke, and that this hormone can not only protect from damage but also lead to the activation of stem cells", says Jonas Faijerson.

The stem cells also release survival factors to the surrounding brain tissue when the brain is injured or diseased. The dissertation describes the identification of a completely unknown survival factor, which the researchers have named "pentinin". "Pentinin protects brain cells from several of the effects that a stroke causes. Both TRH and pentinin are interesting candidates for the development of new treatment strategies for patients with stroke. It is possible that these substances could be given in tablet form, as a drop, or as a nasal spray, when a stroke is suspected", says Jonas Faijerson.

The research has been carried out at the Centre for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

Dissertation submitted for the degree of Ph. D. in Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section for Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation

Title of the dissertation: Neural Stem/Progenitor cells in the Post-ischemic Environment: Proliferation, Differentiation and Neuroprotection The dissertation has been successfully defended.