An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain.
Rapid treatment can restore blood flow and thereby limit the damage.
However, brain tissue that has already died cannot be restored. In severe strokes, this can leave a cavity in the brain where healthy tissue once existed.
Rehabilitation can help healthy parts of the brain adapt.
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However, it cannot rebuild the tissue that has been lost, according to Duke University, as reported by ScienceDaily.
The body helps with the healing process
The researchers have therefore developed a material that is injected directly into the damaged area.
The material consists of tiny hydrogel particles that together form a porous structure that the body's cells can enter.
The researchers also added small biological signals from astrocytes, which occur naturally in the brain. Among other effects, this prompted immune cells to migrate toward the area.
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Neutrophils proved particularly interesting. They are normally associated with inflammation and damage shortly after a stroke.
According to the study, published in Cell Biomaterials, the experiment suggests that, under the right conditions, they may later contribute to the healing process.
Mice showed improved movement
New blood vessels grew in the treated areas, and the researchers found more nerve fibers. The material itself also proved important to the effect.
The key effect was seen in the mice's movement. After eight weeks, the treated mice performed so well in a movement test that their results were statistically indistinguishable from those of healthy mice.
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However, the method has only been tested in mice. Further research, including studies of its safety, is therefore needed before it can be determined whether the treatment can be used in humans.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.