A Japanese study has shown that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) could be used to treat sufferers of cerebral ischemia. The naturally occurring hormone is already known to stimulate production of white blood cells and the scientists at Okayama University applied it subcutaneously to rats at the region of ischemic injury.
The results demonstrated that the damaged brain cells were significantly reduced in the ischemic area of the subjects.
The substance is thought to promote neurogenesis, the potentiation of new neurons in adult brains. A previous clinical trial in 7 patients demonstrated that G-CSF is effective in promoting neurological improvement and also indicated that G-CSF treatment in humans for acute stroke is safe and feasible. Thus, the positive results of the present study mean that further human testing could be possible.
Reference: Sehara et al (2007), Potentiation of Neurogenesis and angiogenesis by G-CSF after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Journal of Brain Research, Volume 1151, 2 June 2007, pages 142-149.
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