Dental pulp stem cells promote the survival and regeneration of retinal cells after injury

(Neural Regeneration Research) Injury to the retina and optic nerve leads to irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreparable damage to their axons which ultimately leads to blindness. Providing a sustained source of neurotrophic growth factors is required to promote their survival and regeneration. Transplanted dental pulp stem cells secrete multiple growth factors which protect RGCs from death after optic nerve injury and promote regeneration of their axons.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news