New ALS research findings are reported

BALTIMORE, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found transplanting a new line of stem cell-like cells in rat models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can help sustain breathing.

Johns Hopkins researchers said targeted cell delivery to the cervical spinal cord is a promising strategy to slow loss of motor neurons in ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The scientists said such stem cell-like transplants in the rat models clearly shifted key signs of neurodegenerative disease in general and ALS in particular, slowing the animals' neuron loss and extending life.

The finding, the scientists said, supports the hypothesis that artificially outnumbering unhealthy cells with healthy ones in targeted parts of the spinal cord preserves limb strength and breathing and can increase survival.

The research is reported online in the journal Nature Neuroscience.