New role identified for scars at the site of injured spinal cord

For decades, it was thought that scar-forming cells called astrocytes were responsible for blocking neuronal regrowth across the level of spinal cord injury, but recent findings challenge this idea. According to a new mouse study, astrocyte scars may actually be required for repair and regrowth following spinal cord injury. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, and published in Nature.
Source: NINDS Press Releases and News: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Category: Neurology Source Type: news