Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : March 16, 2014, 1:05 AM
Stroke is the fourth-leading killer in the world and an important cause of permanent disability. This may no longer be the same as scientists have now found that using a compound to block the body's immune response reduces chances of disability after a stroke significantly. The study shows that after a stroke, the injured brain cells provoke the particular immune cells 'CD4+' T-cells to produce a substance, 'IL-21', that kills the neurons in the blood-deprived tissue of the brain. (Read: Recognize symptoms of stroke, provide help in the golden hour!)
For the study, normal mice, ordinarily killed or disabled by an ischemic stroke, were given a shot of a compound that blocks the action of 'IL-21'.
Brain scans and brain sections showed that the treated mice suffered little or no stroke damage. 'This is very exciting because we haven't had a new drug for stroke in decades, and this suggests a target for such a drug,' said Zsuzsanna Fabry, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (Read: Symptoms of stroke how do I recognize them?)
The final part of the study looked at brain tissue from people who had died following ischemic strokes, said Matyas Sandor, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Wisconsin. It found that 'CD4+' T-cells and their protein, 'IL-21' are in high concentration in areas of the brain damaged by the stroke. The similarity suggests that the protein that blocks 'IL-21' could become a treatment for stroke, and would likely be administered at the same time as the current blood-clot dissolving drugs, Sandor said. The study appeared in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. (Read: 8 ways to prevent a stroke (Gallery))
What is Stroke?
Also known as a cerebrovascular accident, stroke is a medical emergency that arises when arteries that supply blood to the brain get affected. As a result a part of the brain doesn't receive sufficient blood supply. Without blood and nutrient supply, the brain cells get affected and can die within a few minutes. Stroke often results in long-term dysfunction of the body part controlled by the affected brain area. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. (Read: Stroke causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention)
With inputs from IANS
For more articles on stroke, visit our stroke section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.