Effects of Human Neural Stem Cells on Autonomic and Cardiovascular Dysfunction After SCI
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition for which there are no effective therapies. One of the major consequences of SCI is autonomic dysfunction, such as bowel, bladder, and cardiovascular regulation. Normally such regulation is reflexive, but after SCI these reflex changes are exaggerated, representing autonomic dysreflexia, which can be difficult to treat, life threatening, and very uncomfortable to patients. Recently, we have found that human neural stem cells (NSCs) can integrate into host rat circuitry and improve motor function below a severe SCI. To further these studies, we have designed a set of experiments to be tested in animals that are aimed to determine whether human NSC transplantation can improve autonomic function, including bowel and bladder control and alleviation of autonomic dysreflexia symptoms. Results of this study will provide efficacy and safety data, essential for the development of human NSC transplantation for clinical translation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810470
Entities
People
- John Brock
Organizations
- United States Army
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation of San Diego