The body produces proteins that inhibit spinal nerves from regenerating. But scientists have developed antibodies to block the inhibitors and growth factors to induce regeneration, as well as a technique for transplanting peripheral nerve cells called Schwann cells to the damaged cord region to build a bridge over the gap. Treatment with a synthetic steroid called methylprednisolone at the time of injury reduces the secondary cascade of damage caused by inflammation. Halting inflammation before it eats up healthy nerves can preserve a patient's ability to breathe on his own and other bodily functions. The future promises experiments utilizing chip technology, magnetic fields and genetic engineering.
Nothing stymies research more than a lack of money.
Cheung is concerned because NIH funding increased 15 percent last year but is budgeted for only a 2 percent rise this year. Private foundations, such as the Buoniconti Fund, take up where the government leaves off. Christopher Reeve, who gained cinematic fame as Superman and was paralyzed four years ago in a horseback riding fall, has also been a catalyst for research. The injuries to Marc Buoniconti and Christopher Reeve created the two biggest awareness explosions for spinal cord injury research,'' said William Stokkan, executive director of the Miami Project. The Miami Project's new home will be named the Lois Pope Life Center, after the philanthropist wife of the late Generoso Pope, former owner of the National Enquirer.