动物实验,治疗失明 z-bo 2020-08-20 563

　　The early brain is plastic, and brain circuits are easy to reorganize to promote learning. However, the brain loses most of its plasticity in adulthood, and it is impossible to recover the lost functions immediately after a stroke or other injury. The scientists successfully restored the early plasticity of the adult mouse brain by transplanting young neurons, and treated people with severely impaired vision during the experiment.

　　According to a new study published in May in the Journal of Neuroscience, the neuroscientist was led by Sunil Gandhi of the University of California, which transplanted mouse embryonic stem cells into the brains of other mice. These cells are mainly inhibitory neurons and may inhibit brain activity. Before starting the research, the first author of the paper, Melissa Davis (Melissa Davis) once said: "Can researchers usually restore the distribution, integration and plasticity of these cells in the adult brain? I doubt you." The research team at the University of Irvine improved the experimental method and finally found the answer. The integration of these cells into the brain can cause extensive reorganization of neural circuits and restore high plasticity during early development. Nerve signals and water maze tests showed that cells implanted in visually impaired mice can restore normal vision.

　　Scientists have not yet tested whether transplantation technology can be used for other neurological diseases, but depending on how the new nerve cells restore plasticity, the technology can be used for many diseases and injuries. I believe it can be used. Researchers still do not know whether the restoration of brain plasticity is due to the proliferation of transplanted cells or the induction of plasticity in pre-existing neurons. In the latter case, this therapy can promote the remodeling of neural circuits and heal severe brain injuries and strokes.

　　The team used inhibitory neurons in the study because they worked best in previous experiments. However, this particular neuron is also most likely to be used clinically. Because many mental and neurological diseases are related to stimulation and inhibition disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia and chronic pain. An experimental team led by Stewart Anderson of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that transplanting inhibitory neurons from healthy mice into disease model mice can improve symptoms. This new method can cause tremendous changes in the brain and can completely eradicate the disease. For those who do not respond to treatment, “adopting bold therapies like nerve cell transplantation may change their destiny,” Anderson said. The transplantation of nerve cells inside the human body is still a serious obstacle. First, transplanting mouse stem cells into humans may not be safe and effective. Scientists still don't know how to transform human stem cells into neuron progenitor cells for surgery. Moreover, it takes at least one month for the transplanted cells to mature into the mouse brain. In theory, human cells are even longer and sometimes longer.

　　Despite all the obstacles, professionals are still eager to break through. They believe that transplanting neurons in the future can provide cell-based therapies that can effectively treat or even treat aging-related developmental disorders.