Spinal Cord Scar Neutralization, Refunction In Chronic (Old) Injury.

[Ron Blue]

Also radiation or x-rays have been used to stop the formation
of scar tissue but still allows the nerves to connect up.
Ron Blue

On 30 Oct 1996 sci at npsnet.com wrote:

> Here's an interesting press release I found in the spinal_injury conference a while ago.
> Comments?
> 
> 
>                      NEW SPINAL INJURY TREATMENT
> 
> 
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     OCTOBER 5,1996
> 
> 
> 
> Seattle----Dr. Charles Carson, President of the Spinal Cord Society, a
> Minnesota Foundation, announced at the Society's Convention today a
> pioneering new development in the treatment of spinal cord injury.
> Research projects of the Society sponsored at the University of
> Tennessee and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, have achieved
> spinal cord regeneration in chronically injured rats by neutralizing the
> injury scar. There are no known side effects and long term
> spinal-injured rats were able to consistently regain 10% refunction
> with a few attaining 30%.
>     A study describing the scar disrupter was published in the September
> 1 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience. It was done under the direction
> of Dr. Eldon Geisert of the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Dr.
> Geisert and coworkers identified an antibody to components of the
> spinal cord injury scar. The antibody was used to successfully disrupt
> it which allowed nerve fibers to cross the injury creating refunction.
>     In studies now underway with the cooperation of several other
> universities and several corporations, SCS researchers are now
> attempting to improve the treatment by combining it with growth factors
> and specialized bridging materials. Results will he reported later this
> Fall.
>     Dr. Carson noted that this is the first time that artificially
> produced refunction has been consistently repeated in long term chronic
> spinal injuries. He indicated that improvement of the treatment to a
> consistent 40% level should warrant human trials.
> 
> 
> 
> For Further Information Contact:  Dr. Chas. E. Carson
>                                   Spinal Cord Society
>                                   Wendell Road
>                                   Fergus Falls, MN 56537
>                                   (218)739-5232
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