Nerve Signals Restore Bladder Function in Paralyzed Rats through Regenerative Powers

Researchers have made a an amazing discovery that may translate into helping humans who have suffered a spinal cord injury. They've found that by promoting nerve regeneration, bladder function can be restored in paralyzed rats that may translate into help for humans suffering from similar injuries. 

Scientists believe that coaxing damaged cells to grow and form connections may help transmit new nerve signals to simulate repair to damaged areas of the body which had previously lost their ability to function.

Researchers used a chemical that promotes cell growth along with a scar-busting enzyme to help create a more hospitable environment for the nerve graft at the spinal injury site in various adult rates used in the study.

"Although animals did not regain the ability to walk, they did recover a remarkable measure of urinary control," study co-author Jerry Silver, of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in Cleveland, said in a journal news release.

Bladder control is a main function commonly lost when a spinal cord injurty occurs, according to background information from the news release.

"This is the first time that significant bladder function has been restored via nerve regeneration after a devastating cord injury," study co-author Yu-Shang Lee, of the Cleveland Clinic, said in the release, via Reuters.

Scientists hope these incredible findings could help not just restore bladder function in humans, but other bodily functions lost in spinal cord injuries. However, researchers also note that results seen in animals may not work in humans.

Their results appear in the June 26 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.