Legal News
Mouse study could lead to paralysis treatments (9 April 2014)
Date: 09/04/2014
Researchers from University College London and King’s College London have modified embryonic stem cells to restore movement to paralysed muscles in mice.
The research is at an early stage, but may one day help patients suffering from varying degrees of paralysis to walk again – including patients suffering from motor neurone disease or from paralysis as a result of an accident involving brain injury or spinal injury.
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to develop into any type of cell or tissue in the human body.
The researchers found that by inserting a gene into embryonic stem cells to make them sensitive to light and developing them in to motor neuron cells, the stem cells grew and connected with paralysed muscles when transplanted into mice with injuries to nerves supplying their hind leg muscles.
The researchers found that when light was shone on the motor neuron cells, the muscles moved and could be controlled with light. The team is now planning to develop an implant which produces its own light source when needed.
Motor neurone patients suffer gradual paralysis in their muscles, making movement as well as talking and eating increasingly difficult. The disease is the result of damage to motor neurone cells, which are nerve cells in the brain which help transmit instructions to the rest of the body.
The researchers say that the first tests on motor neurone patients may be possible within five years.
The study is published in the journal Science.
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors
Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise on how to make a no win no fee compensation claim for injuries to the brain or spine which result in paralysis.
Compensation claims can be made for paralysis which results from the negligence of another party, including injuries in Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, Industrial Accidents, Holiday Accidents and Injuries, and Accidents at School.
For expert legal advice on making a no win no fee compensation claim for Brain and Spinal injuries, contact Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.