One of our goals is to determine the most effective signaling mechanisms to encourage these cells to reproduce and migrate to key brain sites where they can stimulate synapse formation and improve restoration of function. After experimental brain injury, including stroke and neurotoxin-induced selective neurodegeneration, the natural release of growth factors in the brain presents a window of opportunity for markedly improved outcome. Few approaches take full advantage of this early golden opportunity, however. We have evidence that, to maximize functional outcome, pharmacological and growth factor interventions must be initiated soon after neural damage and combined precisely with rehabilitation procedures. Unfortunately, this window of opportunity is very short, lasting only a few days to a few weeks after injury.
Early indications are that remarkable enhancement of long term outcome can be achieved.
Schallert T. Models of neurological defects and defects in neurological models. Brain and Behavioral Sciences . Lindner M.D., Winn S.R., Baetge E.E., Doherty E., Ullman M.D., Schallert T., and Emerich D.F. Implantation of encapsulated catecholamine and GDNF-producing cells in rats with unilateral dopamine depletions and parkinsonian symptoms. Impact on functional recoveryu. Schallert T. Use-dependent exaggeration of neuronal injury following unilateral sensorimotor cortex lesions.