New Insights Into Treating Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, and effective new treatment options are desperately needed. This thesis has assessed two new therapeutic options for their potential to improve outcome after a stroke. The candidate found that administration of amnion stem cells, which are placenta-derived stem cells, effectively reduced brain injury and improved long-term recovery of motor coordination after experimental stroke. In addition, she found that administration of vitamin D could also reduce the extent of stroke-induced brain damage. It is hoped that the findings may lead to the future use of these interventions to treat stroke patients.