Parkinson’s Disease And Its Treatment With Stem Cells
Read more articles on Health.July 26, 2006
Posted by Rebecca Lanham
July 26, 2006
Posted by Rebecca Lanham
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It has been shown that Parkinson’s Disease affects over 2% of all adults over the age of 65. It is considered to be a very common neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson’s is noted by symptoms like tremor, rigidity and abnormally low mobility, with these symptoms being caused by progressive degeneration and loss of neurons that produce dopamine.
Scientists believe that Parkinson’s may be the first disease that could be treated through the transplantation of stem cells. Since it is known which cells are needed to relieve the symptoms of this disease, researcher’s can work to find ways to produce these cells. Several laboratories that have been doing research have been successful in causing embryonic stem cells to become distinct cells. Once produced and transplanted, theoretically they will perform many of the functions of normal dopamine producing neurons.
Studies in laboratory animals have already shown that this procedure can work. When the embryonic stem cells of mice were prompted to differentiate into dopamine producing neurons and then transplanted into rats showing symptoms of the disease, the brains of these rats began producing and releasing dopamine! This, in turn, relieved many of the symptoms and improved overall motor function.
In the future, it is believed that Parkinson’s can be treated in the same way in humans. With continued stem cell research, human stem cell therapy may become a reality for those suffering due to this disease. Scientists are already developing several plans to produce dopamine producing neurons for transplantation. If research continues, some day the transplantation of these cells into those with Parkinson’s may become a widely available and effective treatment.
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