Human trial begins for spinal cord regeneration project

As part of a clinical trial into spinal cord regeneration surgery in paraplegics, cells, harvested from the nose of a volunteer patient with paraplegia, have been culture in a laboratory and transplanted in the patient's spinal cord. The use of the patient's own cells eliminates the risk of cell rejection and the need for anti-rejection medication.

The Queensland Spinal Cord Regeneration Project is a collaboration betewen Princess Alexandria Hospital (PAH) clinicians and Griffith University scientists.

At Griffith University, scientists have pioneered a method of harvesting and cultivating nerve cells - olfactory ensheathing cells, a type of glial cell - from inside the nose. Unlike other cells in the nervous system, these unique glial cells are continually regenerated throughout life by the olfactory mucosa. These cells help nerves grow from the nose to the brain and are the only glial cells that can exist both within and outside the central nervous system.

Dr Tim Geraghty from PAH said the aim of the Phase 1 trial was to assess potential risks and determine the benefits to the patients.