Restoring Neuronal Function After Stroke by Cell Replacement

Abstract

Background and Purpose-A major challenge to effective treatment after stroke is the restoration of neuronal function.In recent years, cell-based therapies for stroke have been explored in experimental animal models, and the results have suggested behavioral improvements. However, the anatomic targets of a cell-based stroke therapy and the relationship of cell grafts to post stroke reorganization are poorly understood, which results in difficulties defining strategies for neuronal substitution. Given that stroke causes a variety of secondary changes at locations beyond the infarct lesion, overcoming these difficulties is even more important. Summary of Review-We describe which brain structures and cell types are candidates for substitution and how new neuronal functionality could be implemented in a damaged brain by capitalizing on current concepts of post stroke plasticity. (Stroke. 2011;42:2342-2350.)

Stem Cell–Based Tissue Replacement After Stroke

“…Some authors even propose channel-like, large matrices seeded with cells in vitro before neurosurgical implantation into the infarcted hemisphere (Fig. 2) 26 .…”

Stem Cells as an Emerging Paradigm in Stroke 3

“…33 A range of bioengineering devices including scaffolds and hydrogels are being developed and studied for the purposes of remodeling the brain after stroke and other injuries.…”

Robotics, Stem Cells, and Brain-Computer Interfaces in Rehabilitation and Recovery from Stroke

“…Innovative solutions will be needed involving scaffolds to allow multiple differentiated cell types to replace or repair irreversibly injured brain tissue. 29 Endogenous neural stem cells reside in the subventricular zone and are capable of migrating to the site of brain injury. However, the contribution of these cells to brain repair appears to be limited.…”