Next Media - Researchers have reversed paralysis in dogs after injecting them with cells grown from their nose lining. The dogs had all suffered spinal injuries preventing the use of their back legs. The study is the first to test the transplant in real-life injuries instead of just laboratory animals.
The study published in neurology journal Brain had the dogs olfactory ensheathing cells removed from the lining of their nose. The cells were grown and expanded for several weeks. Of 34 dogs in the trial, 23 had cells transplanted to the injury site. Several of the dogs that received the transplant showed considerable improvement and were able to walk on a treadmill while being supported by a harness. Researchers hope the technique will someday be used in humans with spinal cord injuries.
SOURCE: BBC, Telegraphic, NCBIhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20365355
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9686147/Regenerated-cells-allow-paralysed-dog-to-walk-again.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013062/