Stem Cells Train Heart Following Heart Attack

Adult human EPDCs, 'Epicardium Derived Cell', extracted from the atrium of the heart were transplanted into a mouse heart that had suffered an infarction. This resulted in the mice having better heart function than mice without the cells in both short and long term studies and ensured that less mouse cells died off. In fact, two weeks after the cell transplantation, the treated hearts exhibited increased activity of DNA damage repair, and contained more blood vessels. In addition, the wall of the heart where the infarct had occurred was thicker.

What amazed me is that the EPDCs apparently had an almost instant stimulating effect on the heart tissue in the surrounding areas after being transplanted.

Along with the obvious potential that this research offers for stroke patients, this just illustrates the growing importance and potential of stems cell therapy.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127101923.htm