Storing Memory Loss using Stem Cell Transplants

On July 25, 2012, a study of human embryonic stem cells to correct learning and memory deficiencies was tested on rats. The stem cells came from human embryos and were implanted into specialized rats that don't reject transplants from other animals. These rats also had the part of their brains that dealt with  learning and memory deliberately damaged to begin the study, this part of the brain is called the medial septum. These human stem cells were cultured in the lab and grown there so they could be monitored. The rats had specific tests performed on them before the stem cells were transplanted and after the cells were in their brains. Once the rats had the stem cells transplanted into their brain, the stem cells started to form the two common vital types of neuronal cells that communicate with the chemicals GABA and acetylcholine. The stem cells were transplanted in the hippocampus, which is the vital memory center at the other end of the memory circuits. By transplanting the stem cells in the hippocampus, the cells were responding appropriately from the chemical directions they were receiving. In essence, the stem cells were developing into the correct memory cells by being in the hippocampus tissue of the brain. The rats that were being studied, performed higher scores on the common tests that were done after the transplants of the cells. They also were repairing the two cell types of neurons that are critical in the brain for it to function properly. These neuron types, Cholinergic which are involved in Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, and GABA neurons which are involved in many different disabilities like addiction, epilepsy, depression and many more, were being repaired because of the transplant.

I think that this study is very interesting and amazing because if there are studies being done on rats that are improving their brain function, then in the near future there could be studies that are done on humans to improve our brain function as well. This study could help so many different people and families who are suffering from disabilities as common as addiction and depression to Alzheimer's and Down syndrome. This study is a break through in science because if it is possible to repair our brain cells, which is the most complex part of our bodies, then repair to almost any organ or system could be possible, which in turn could help people survive and function better. This study could also help very sick people who are losing their brain function at tremendous rates with Alzheimer's disease, with this new technology hopefully they could slow down that rate.

References:
1. Yan Liu, Jason P Weick, Huisheng Liu, Robert Krencik, Xiaoqing Zhang, Lixiang Ma, Guo-min Zhou, Melvin Ayala, Su-Chun Zhang. Medial ganglionic eminence–like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells correct learning and memory deficits. Nature Biotechnology, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2565
2. "Stem Cell Transplant Restores Memory, Learning in Mice." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 Apr. 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.