Teeth cells 'could repair spinal injury'RSS Feed

Cells from teeth could be used to repair spinal cord injury, researchers have said.

Dental pulp cells from the centre of the tooth were transplanted into rats with spinal injury, and scientists at Nagoya University in Japan found they regained some movement in their legs.

The pulp was found to prevent the death of nerve cells, regenerate severed nerves and promote the growth of other cells supporting the spine.

Authors of the study said that stem cells can be taken from adult wisdom teeth with no negative effects on health.

According to the Mirror, Alex Rankin, of spinal injury charity Aspire, said: "We are excited by the prospect of a cure being found for spinal cord ¬injuries through the use of dental pulp stem cells."

However, he warned that it could take a considerable amount of time for such a treatment to be implemented for people with spinal cord injury.

Serious Law, award winning brain injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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