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Stem cell transplantation for stroke: recent findings.

Meeting was held in Orlando, Florida on December 4-6, 2003. The meeting brought together stroke experts from around the world to discuss important topics related to stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. At this meeting, Lawrence R. Wechsler, MD, Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Director of the Stroke Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, presented a conference entitled “Stem Cell Transplantation for Stroke.” Stem Cells Stem cells capable of differentiating into nerve cells are found in fetal brain, in bone marrow, in the umbilical cord, and in the adult human brain. They have also been isolated from primitive tumors. Laboratory experiments have shown that some types of stem cells injected intravenously in rats with experimental stroke find their way to the lesion site and improve neurologic function. Presumably, signals emitted by the injured brain attract stem cells, a small proportion of which differentiate into neuronal cells. Functional improvement occurs relatively rapidly, which suggests a humoral mechanism. Based on promising animal results, experiments involving stem cell transplantation have been carried out in humans with stroke. Umbilical cord blood has been targeted as a source of stem cells. Harvesting stem cells from this organ obviates ethical considerations. The umbilical cord in humans is a source of stem cells with the potential to differentiate into neurons and with a lesser tendency to be rejected when transplanted to humans than cells harvested from a nonhuman source. Nonetheless, concerns regarding the safety of patients after intravenous injection of stem cells, reaching any system within the body, have become a strong consideration. Immortalized cell lines derived Stem Cell Transplantation for Stroke: Recent Findings