Peptide drops instilled into the nose of paralyzed rats have had revolutionary success in rehabilitating them. Photo: File
Sweden: We know that the early moments are precious in the event of a stroke and that getting the right medical attention within hours can prevent death or life-long disability. But now a nasal spray (nosedrops) can revive the patient even after the passage of time.
Experts from Sweden’s University of Gothenburg and the Czech Academy of Sciences added to the drops a peptide called C3A, which is naturally produced in the central nervous system (brain). Previous research suggests that it may help restore movement in stroke patients.
In this context, experiments were conducted on rats. First he was made a paraplegic. After seven days, they were instilled with peptide drops in their noses and observed. Mice with the drops improved more quickly than mice without the drops, their organs began to function slightly better, and this was confirmed by MRI scans.
When scans were taken of the mice’s brains, they saw new connections between nerve cells and an increase in key cells such as astrocytes, which grow nerves and strengthen motor functions.
Although human trials are still a long way off, if we can make such drops for human patients, the light of treatment may be visible even days later in stroke patients.
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