Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 17
Neurological Diseases and Stem Cell Therapy
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth
the humble reasoning of a single individual.
Galileo Galilei
Can Stem Cell Therapy Work in Stroke? Progress
from Animal Toward Human Studies
In stroke, occlusion of a cerebral artery leads to focal ischemia in a restricted central
nervous system (CNS) region. Many different types of neurons and glial cells
degenerate in stroke. It has not yet been convincingly demonstrated that neuronal
replacement induces symptomatic relief in individuals who have suffered strokes.
The approaches to regenerative stroke therapy vary at both experimental and
clinical levels (Table
17.1
).
These approaches vary from just a mobilization or transfusion of adult stem cells,
across the use of embryonic stem (ES) cells, surgical implantation to the application
of neurons derived from different stem cell sources [
1-
7
]. It is convenient to think
of the brain in evolutionary terms:
-
The higher brain is concerned with intellect and advanced skills, such as movement
and manual dexterity, as well as the reception of the senses.
The function of the cerebellum is more primitive; it partially encircles the brain
-
stem, symbolically suggesting its role as a stabilizer or moderator, smoothing
movements and actions, and regulating the irregular impulses of the higher
cortex into controlled activity, while maintaining balance and posture.
Between the cerebellum and the proximal extent of the spinal cord are the basal
ganglia. These are amongst the most primitive areas of the brain and contain some
of the basic regulatory centers for autonomic function as well as co-ordination.
