Study: Anesthetics may curb nerve regrowth
Published: May 7, 2008 at 1:21 PM
AUSTIN, Texas, May 7 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists using a worm model say they've found nerves can regenerate up to 12 times faster when they are severed without the use of anesthetics.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin said the experiments with a one-millimeter-long worm (C. elegans) are providing substantial clues on how nerves regenerate. The goal is to identify genes that affect nerve generation and might lead to new drugs and therapies for human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases.
The study, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, discovered that during surgery to sever its nerves, the worm's axons regrew within 60 to 90 minutes without the use of anesthetics. Previously, with the use of anesthetics, axons -- which conduct electrical impulses from the neuron -- took as long as 12 hours to regrow.
The research appears in the journal Nature Methods.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin said the experiments with a one-millimeter-long worm (C. elegans) are providing substantial clues on how nerves regenerate. The goal is to identify genes that affect nerve generation and might lead to new drugs and therapies for human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases.
The study, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, discovered that during surgery to sever its nerves, the worm's axons regrew within 60 to 90 minutes without the use of anesthetics. Previously, with the use of anesthetics, axons -- which conduct electrical impulses from the neuron -- took as long as 12 hours to regrow.
The research appears in the journal Nature Methods.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Science:
U.S. plans two large-scale CO2 projects
A crane lowers space shuttle Discovery toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform in high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Flordia. The stacking and mating took place in preparation for the launch on the STS-124 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch on May 31, 2008. (UPI Photo/Jim Grossmann/NASA)
Space Shuttle Discovery set to launch on May 31
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular