Conflicting Data on Stromal Cell Implantation

In the Journal of Neurotrauma (Bonilla C, et al. 2010) a study tested the intravenous administration of bone marrow stromal cells after traumatic brain injury in rats. After two months of administration the rats were no better at functional abilities. A study of their brains in comparison with the normal group showed no changes in the brains of the mice who received the intravenous stromal cells. However, the same group of investigators in 2009 had implanted the stromal cells, rather than have them administered through IV and found that the rats showed progressive functional recovery and signs of increased brain volume and neurogenesis in the autopsy brains of the rats. This is consistent with earlier studies (Zurita M. 2004) in which the therapeutic effect of transplanted bone marrow stromal cells showed clear and progressive functional recovery of treated animals compared with controls. In that case, new spinal cord tissue was grown bridging the traumatic injury and restoring function.

Surgeons in India have had success with transplantation of stem cells into humans suffering from severe traumatic brain injury and coma. More than one patient in a coma has recovered consciousness and speech after the operation.

In addition, several new drugs and treatments are on the horizon which will give rise to increased neurogenesis or regrowth of brain cells after injury or trauma.