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While the cells seem to survive for months in mice, it's not yet clear how long they will survive in humans, who live much longer lives, or whether they will affect the long-term function of the retina in other ways. For example, they might interfere with the interaction between the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, says Reh.
Because the stem-cell treatment doesn't replace lost cells, it most likely needs to be administered early in the course of a disease. "This would not be something for advanced macular degeneration, where the receptors are already damaged," says Lund. "We would want to spot patients who are seriously as risk and hopefully slow or stop process of disease." A number of genetic factors have been identified that boost risk for the disease, and genetic testing is available.
Taken together, retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration are the most common causes of blindness in people 40 and older. No treatments yet exist for the most common form of macular degeneration, which accounts for about 90 percent of cases. A number of novel therapies are under development, including drugs, cell transplants, and implanted devices. Advanced Cell Technology, based in Worcester, MA, uses human embryonic stem cells to grow retinal pigment epithelium, often the first cell type to die off in age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases. The company filed for permission to begin clinical trials of the cells last November.
Replacing certain cells in the retina could slow visual impairment for people with macular degeneration.
A surgery-free prosthetic retina restores vision in blind mice and raises the prospects for something similar in people.
Human embryonic stem cells can be coaxed into three-dimensional structures of retinal cells.
or should one say "banned aid"?
the brain fascinates, bedazzles and confuses, shut off oxygen to this controlling element of the nervous system, in a few minutes, like a deflating balloon it's on its way to oblivion.
If we cannot resolve what transpires to one of the most visible components of the nervous system, namely an optic nerve besieged by specific macular degenerative disorders outlined in this article, may heaven help us, we have a long road of pretensions and investigative R&D before us.
What is the onset of macular degeneration attributed to?
Age related genetic mutation leading to poorly wrapped protein deformity, environmental factors impairing sympathetic/parasympathetic functions, inhibiting nutrient and waste product flow to and from the retina? Irreversible burnt out photoreceptor cells?
There being no dialysis machine able to filter impurities from cranial spinal fluid, not knowing what impurities consist of, for that matter poor knowledge of role spinal fluid plays in maintaining normal nervous system functions, healthy performing components, adds to the dilemma.
Neural stem cell injections as an avenue leading to a vision of hope maybe an interim step, studying molecular activity on the retinal-pigment epithelium/reconstituted stem cell border may yield revealing clues of little understood processes at work; with a little bit of encouragement stem cell scientist could help..ask any blind person if banning such research strengthens moral fiber
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tom721
4 Comments
stem cells
It's regretable that you are using fetal cells. But typical of our death culture. Should be from cord blood, or some other source.
And what will you do about rejection?
Reply
apeter01
1 Comment
Re: stem cells
Its not regrettable that fetal cells are being used. Whatever works in this dire situation. Do you have your vision?
Reply