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Mesenchymal Stem Cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood have been shown to help speed recovery in animal models of ischemia, spinal cord injury and stroke. The mesenchymal cells have advantages over other stem cells because they are accessible and have the ability to grow well in the lab. When the cells are transplanted to the injury site they have the capability to encourage new blood vessel growth, reduce inflammation and reduce cell death.
Together, this results in reduced damage to the tissue and faster repair. In a recently published study1mesenchymal cells from umbilical cord blood was used to treat stroke in rats. The administration of cells resulted in reduced tissue damage and improved motor function.
This study is significant because it used human umbilical cord blood as a source of cells. For most births the umbilical cord blood is discarded but it could be easily banked and therefore always ready for immediate use.
1 Jung Yeon LimChang Hyun JeongJin Ae JunSeong Muk KimChung Heon RyuYun HouWonil OhJong Wook ChangSin-Soo Jeun Credits/Source: Stem Cell Research &Therapy 2011, 2:38
