Researchers from the University of California, San Diego report that experimental rats recovered from blood flow related paralysis after receiving grafts of human spinal stem cells. When damage occurs due to loss of blood flow to the spine's neural cells, applying human neural stem cells directly to the spinal cord achieves recovery of motor function. In this specific type of paralysis, known as spinal cord ischemia, there is no mechanical damage to the spinal cord. The brain motor centers remain partially connected to the spinal cord but the loss of inhibitory neurons leads to the degeneration of muscle control in lower limbs. Read more about Human Stem Cells Return Motor Function to Paralyzed Rats
