Originally published April 22 2005
Nose cells may be key to curing paralysis, new research on dogs suggests
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Some English scientists have helped some paralyzed dogs walk again by transplanting special cells in their noses to their spinal cords. The cells, known as OEG cells, are the only ones in the body capable of constant regeneration, and similar cells are present in the human body. Some Australian doctors have reportedly had success using this procedure in humans, but those results have not yet been published.
Veterinary surgeons from the University of Cambridge, UK, have treated nine dogs, some of whom appeared to be better able to walk in treadmill tests.
The treatment takes nerve cells from the brain and injects them into the damaged part of the spinal cord.
An expert from the Institute of Neurology said he believed the same benefits could be seen in humans.
An Australian team has already treated humans with OEG cells, but the results will not be published until 2007.
The UK researchers studied dogs which had been paralysed in road accidents, or through spinal cord injuries.
In addition to regaining some movement, one dog appeared to recover some sensation below the injury site.
The researchers say there is no indication the dogs can feel pain again but, by the same token, they do not appear to be suffering pain from a severed nerve - a potential side effect of the treatment.
They have identified a form of stem cell found in mucosa - the cellular lining - of the nose, which it might be possible to turn into OEGs in the lab.
Scientists are looking at a number of ways to help people who are paralysed regain some movement.
Another study, published in December last year, showed a chemical called PEG, which is injected within 48 hours, appeared to boost recovery.
Nick Jeffery, who worked on the University of Cambridge research, said "It is exceedingly improbable that one simple intervention alone will permit full recovery of locomotor activity [movement] after this type of extremely severe spinal injury."
Geoffrey Raisman, of the Institute of Neurology, told New Scientist: "These findings in dogs are directly relevant to the human situation.
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