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Baby Tooth Stem Cells Improve Function in Chronic-Phase Cerebral Palsy Rats

Researchers report brain migration with HGF-linked proliferation, with a pediatric safety study now underway.

Overview

  • A peer-reviewed rat study found SHED improved motor function and learning when administered weeks after hypoxic-ischemic injury, addressing the chronic phase.
  • Rats with unilateral brain injury received intravenous SHED at 5, 7, and 9 weeks and later performed better on horizontal ladder, cylinder, and shuttle avoidance tests.
  • In vivo imaging of quantum dot–labeled cells confirmed that the administered SHED migrated to the brain after systemic delivery.
  • Non-contact co-culture assays showed SHED stimulated neural stem cell proliferation more than bone marrow stromal cells or dermal fibroblasts, likely via high HGF secretion.
  • Nagoya University Hospital is evaluating a single autologous SHED infusion for safety in children with cerebral palsy, with efficacy unproven and larger trials planned; SHED are collected from naturally shed baby teeth in collaboration with S-Quatre.