In hopes that compounds able to block BACE 1 activity would have a similar effect, the team worked with two experimental drugs already developed to target Alzheimer's disease. The mice were given either of the two drugs systematically after nerve injuries and had similar increases in re-growth, though slightly less pronounced. This was because the drugs dampen the effect of BACE 1, instead of completely removing it.
The researchers stated their proof of the work was reason to celebrate because "anything that speeds up nerve re-growth could be enormously helpful to people with nerve injuries caused by a range of injuries and diseases." "After an injury, the environment around nerves and their target tissues sometimes degenerates before nerves can heal, which kills the chances that the nerve will re-grow. If we can help nerves re-grow faster, we increase the chances that they can reach their target and become healthy again after an injury." The researchers now plan to test the compounds in other animal models of nerve injury such as neuropathies and spinal cord injuries.
This is a step in the right direction to help those with nerve injuries. Helping patients recover more quickly and with less damage to nerves is a big step in the treatment of spinal cord and nerve injuries.
Have You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you've been hurt and suffered a spinal cord injury you should speak with a spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
